AREG and cancer: qPCR verification demonstrated significant upregulation of the ECM modification enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3), the inflammation response factors prostaglandin E synthase (Ptges) and amphiregulin (Areg), and the integrin molecules (integrin alpha-2, Itga2 and poliovirus receptor/CD155, Pvr) in cancer cells after 3D spheroid formation (Figure 2I) as has been previously reported [12,13].