Our IPA network analysis indicated the involvement of ERK during infection with meningitic E. coli PCN033 and RS218, which is consistent with our previous finding that MAPK/ERK signaling is involved in infection and mediates the induction of VEGFA and Snail-1 by the meningitic strain PCN033 [5]; however, via western blotting we showed the activation of all these three signaling molecules in response to PCN033 and RS218 infection. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is infection.