In the ovarian cancer tissues, further significant positive correlations were observed between DAB2 and CSC markers (CD34, ALDH1A1, CD117 (Kit)) and mesenchymal markers (MMP9, SNAI1 and MMP3) and negative correlations with mesenchymal markers (CDH2, FOXC2 and SOX10) (Fig. 5A). This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and ovarian cancer.