VCAN and infection: Validation of RNAseq was performed by means of RT-qPCR by testing the expression of 9 different genes previously reported to be related to ERK5 or cancer biology (Klf2, Rgs2, Vcan, Cbx6, Maff, Cepbd, Npnt, Cdk18, and Thbs1) plus Mapk7, in independent pools of infection from the 3MC-C1 and 3MC-C3 cell lines (Figure 5B).