On the other hand, in the healthy matrix, HSPG2 was increased in M2 macrophages but not in the presence of tumor cells (1.68- vs. 0.33-fold in M2 + MCF7 cells, p = 0.0037), suggesting that neoplastic cells and correct matrix stiffness are both required to induce HSPG2 expression. This evidence concerns the gene HSPG2 and neoplasm.