NPC-derived fibroblasts express genes that encode ECM components, including COL1A1, COL1A2, LUM, FN1. This suggests the complexity of ECM in the NPC microenvironment and the possible interaction with tumors and stromal cells via integrin signaling, indicating integrin receptors on tumor and immune cells as potential therapeutic targets for disruption of ECM-dependent tumor progression and suppressive immunomodulation (17). The gene discussed is COL1A1; the disease is neoplasm.