Matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) MMP-2, and urokinase plasminogen activator (μPA) have been reported to play a key role in degrading the ECM, by allowing metastatic cells to access the vasculature, invade and migrate into the target organ, and thereby result in tumor metastasis of cervical cancers14, 15. The gene discussed is PLAU; the disease is neoplasm.