In our recent study, which focused on MSI CRC, we developed the TGFβ-stromal signature (TBSS), by which to infer the levels of TGFβ-dependent stromal activation, based on six TGFβ-responsive, stroma-specific genes, consisting of VCAN, POSTN, FAP, CALD1, SERPINE1 and IGFBP7, and identified a CMS4-like, TGFβ-activated stromal subset within MSI CRCs characterized by high levels of M2 macrophage signature, ICI resistance signature and poor prognosis [15]. The gene discussed is VCAN; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.