MMP2 acts as downstream of NF‐κB in cancers,21 where it degrades the ECM, which is a pivotal step in tumour metastasis and invasion.31, 32 In our study, MMP2 was up‐regulated by IRX5/OPN signalling, which partially explains the promoting effect of IRX5 in TSCC. This evidence concerns the gene SPP1 and cancer.