In contrast, transcription of the transmembrane glycoprotein, MUC15, whose loss is observed in certain tumours (including hepatocellular, prostate, and renal cell carcinoma) and during trophoblast invasion32–35, was significantly downregulated (P < 10− 15; Fig. 2g and Extended Data Fig. 2e). Here, MUC15 is linked to neoplasm.