MMP13 and cancer: In general, extracellular MMP-13 breaks down collagens and has been shown to be an important biomarker for breast and other types of cancers.22–26 However, after cerebral ischemia, the MMP-13 was found to be localized in the nucleus of neural cells.22 This nuclear translocation was associated with oxygen and glucose deprivation of the cells undergoing ischemia.22 Although the function of MMP-13 is poorly characterized, it is assumed that the nuclear role of MMP-13 is crucial in inducing the apoptotic cascade due to ischemic stimulus.22