In response to mitogens, growth factors and cytokines, activated Erk1/2 is involved in cell survival by downregulating pro-apoptotic molecules [27]; p53 is a master switch that coordinates stress signals associated with apoptosis and cell cycle arrest [26]; and MMP-9 plays a role in cancer metastasis via breakdown of the extracellular matrix [28]. This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and cancer.