MMP9 and colonic neoplasm: CTHRC1 regulates MMP9 expression in colon cancer through ERK activation.31 Indeed, we found that Ang-2 expression was regulated by ERK-dependent activation of AP-1 and Ets-1, which have important roles in early blood vessel remodeling and promotion of angiogenesis.15 Consequently, we hypothesized that Ang-2 expression is regulated by CTHRC1-induced ERK/AP1 signaling in ECs.