MMP9 and neoplasm: EMT plays an essential role in both physiological and pathological processes, such as embryonic development as well as the occurrence and development of tumours.40, 41 Several EMT markers are indispensable in the EMT signalling pathway, including MMP2, MMP9, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Integrin β1, ZEB1/2, Twist, and Snail.41 After silencing of ZFAS1, the expression levels of MMP2, MMP9, N‐cadherin, Integrin β1, ZEB1, Twist, and Snail were all markedly downregulated, while E‐cadherin expression significantly upregulated.