MT1-MMP expression is induced by inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β and collagen,40, 41, 42, 43 which are characteristic factors of the tumour microenvironment.44, 45, 46 Mint3 was also expressed at higher levels in fibroblasts from human breast cancer tissues, although isolated CAFs expressed Mint3 at a level similar to that of NFs. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and breast cancer.