Other studies have demonstrated that S18 cells have high CSC properties.48, 49 Although conventional treatment kills most cancer cells, it is thought to leave CSC behind, allowing for the development of tumor chemoresistance, relapse and metastasis.50, 51 As ECM has a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of stem cell niches,30, 42 we explored the role of serglycin in the maintenance of S18 cell stemness. Here, SRGN is linked to cancer.