Likewise, when NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H460, A549, SK-MES-1) were co-cultured with HUVECs under 2D versus 3D conditions, 3D co-culture nearly abolished endothelial markers (CD31, VE-cadherin) and significantly elevated the mesenchymal marker α-SMA, demonstrating that 3D interactions enhance EndMT. The gene discussed is ACTA1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.