MMP9 and neoplasm: Although a large amount of work is still needed to fully clarify the role of HMGA1 in cervical carcinoma, our findings highlight the function of HMGA1 as a pivotal regulator of tumor growth and metastasis (migration and invasion) and propose a novel viewpoint that HMGA1 expedites metastasis through the HMGA1-miR-221/222-TIMP3-MMP2/MMP9 pathway in cervical cancer rather than through the HMGA1-miR-221/222-MMP2/MMP9 pathway (Fig. 7).