FN1 and neoplasm: ECM in the tumor microenvironment can be assessed by different modalities: bulk and cell-specific gene arrays can demonstrate early changes in ECM-related genes (Col I, αSMA, LOX, etc.), providing mechanistical insights [4]; while measurement of accumulated proteins (collagen, fibronectin, laminin and etc.)can delineate temporal tumor-host interactions [5]; physical properties of ECM, such as elasticity and stiffness [6–8], allows for measurement of ECM mechanical function that shown to contribute to tumor aggressiveness [9–12].