The conclusion is corroborated by the data demonstrating SOD2-driven inhibition of apoptosis and increased mRNA expression of MMPs MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9 in several cancers and cancer cell lines, such as HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, 253J bladder carcinoma cells, and 253J-BV metastatic bladder cancer cells (61, 129, 258, 395) (Fig. 6A). Here, MMP9 is linked to cancer.