The mechanism underlying this ECM remodeling involves matrix degradation by proteases such as MMPs (Additional file 2: Figure S2-b) and ADAMs (A disintegrin and metalloproteinases) secreted by cancer cells and PSCs and internalization by collagen receptor uPARAP/Endo180 followed by deposition of the fibrillar form of collagen [40, 41]. This evidence concerns the gene ITGA2 and cancer.