To identify the ECM-related cytokines that govern SEMA7A N-glycosylation, we treated HNSCC cell lines with several growth factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (FGF). Here, EGF is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.