Various MMPs are required in multi‐step processes during tumour metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix surrounding the tumour.42 Numerous evidence demonstrates that MMP gene expression is mainly regulated at the transcriptional level via a wide range of transcriptional factors including AP‐1, PEA3, Sp‐1, β‐catenin/Tcf‐4 and NF‐κB in a tissue/cell‐specific manner.43 Although MMP‐2/9 are both gelatinases, their promoter regions exhibit the different composition of cis‐elements, thus resulting in the different binding transcription factors. This evidence concerns the gene SP1 and neoplasm.