Similarly, while most studies implicate MMPs, e.g. MMP9, in pro-angiogenic and carcinogenic behaviors through VEGF [15,16,20,29,32,33], in others, VEGF proteolysis results in an angiogenic response that is uncoordinated and ineffective [17], leading to lower vessel density and decreased tumor growth [7]. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is neoplasm.