MMP9 and neoplasm: In addition, TGF-β, SNAIL, ZEB1, TWIST1 and pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, MMP2, MMP9) were also downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in both Gd@C82(OH)22-treated cells and tumours derived from Gd@C82(OH)22-treated mice compared with control groups (Fig. 3c–h and Supplementary Fig. 7j).