Regarding cell shape and stiffness, cluster 4 (enriched in the organization of extracellular matrix with laminins as prominent members) was detected, with a new protein, HSPG2 (r 0·69, p < 0·01), an extracellular matrix proteoglycan which contributes to invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis in solid tumours, including CRC [49]. The gene discussed is LAMB2; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.