Underlying these processes, cancer cells overexpressing FSTL3 exhibited increased expression of the genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (Vim, Zeb-1, Snai1/2) and extracellular matrix organization (Ecm1), while expression of epithelial markers (Epcam, Cdh1) decreased (Fig. 4F) [27, 28]. Here, ECM1 is linked to cancer.