CDH17 and neoplasm: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are able to impact tumor cell behavior in vivo by several means: (i) the direct degradation of the stromal connective tissue and basement membrane components, favoring the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells [50]; (ii) cleavage of membrane-bound growth factors or cytokines as well as their receptors [51]; (iii) and, cleavage of cell adhesion molecules, such as cadherins, leading to an increased cell motility occurring in EMT [52].