We focused on RUNX2 because of several compelling findings: (1) TCGA and Compass trial data indicated higher RUNX2 mRNA levels in ALDH1A3High samples than in ALDH1A3Low samples (Fig. 6C); (2) Runx2 expression was lower in pancreata from KC; Aldh1a3–/– mice than in control KC mice (Fig. 6D, Fig. S10B); and (3) RUNX2 was recently reported as a potential marker for basal-like PDAC [29]. This evidence concerns the gene ALDH1A3 and keratoconus.