Although angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, in order to initiate vascular branching, MMPs are required to breach ECM, which facilitates the release of ECM-bound growth factors (VEGFA, FGF etc.)and helps in the migration of ECs.37 Overexpression of MMP2 has been observed in different cancers including HCC.38 The 3′-UTR of MMP2 has one miR-199a-3p binding site, which was verified with luciferase assay, western blot and zymography in this study. This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.