CSPG4 and cancer: Versican, a hyalectan that is present in interstitial ECM, activates EGFR signaling via its EGF-like repeats, which leads to cancer cell growth and invasion.127,128 Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is another ECM component that plays an integral role in stabilizing the interactions between cells in the ECM matrix.