Moreover, treatment with EGF, which is an inducer of Erk1/2 phosphorylation, promoted clonal formation in both HSP60 KD and metformin-treated Panc-1 cells (Figs. 5f, g), findings that support Erk1/2 phosphorylation has a role in HSP60 KD-related and metformin-induced cancer cell growth inhibition. The gene discussed is HSPD1; the disease is cancer.