MMP2 and neoplasm: In addition, STAT3 activation in tumor cells elevates the expression of genes linked to proliferation (cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene [c-MYC], Cyclin D1, BCL-xl) and angiogenesis (VEGF, hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]); and metastasis (matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP2], MMP9, and twist-related protein 1 [TWIST1]), promoting malignant progression [190,191].