TIMP3 and cancer: The altered gene profile (Supplemental Fig. s3), such as increases in growth factors (CTGF), cell adhesion molecules (CDH2 and CDH6), inhibition of metalloproteinases (TIMP-3), and a reduction in MMPs (MMP-3), is involved in the induction of myofibroblast (trans)-differentiation and wound healing;46–48 therefore, CAFs can behave as activated myofibroblasts to drive invasive cancer growth and metastasis49, 50.