The expressions of metastasis-associated markers (MMP-3 and MMP-9) were also measured by Western blot, and we found that LINC00261 overexpression inhibited the expressions of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in LC cells (All P < 0.001, Fig. 4g–j). Here, MMP9 is linked to laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.