MMP2 and cancer: NF-κB also plays an essential role in controlling the transcription of genes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and cyclin D1, which are important in the early and late stages of aggressive cancers; cIAP-1/2, XIAP, and cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP), which are important genes that encode apoptosis suppressor proteins; and MMP2, MMP9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are important genes in invasion and angiogenesis 40-44.