In conclusion, this study revealed that MTA2 and MMP12 are highly expressed in cervical carcinomas, and knockdown of MTA2 attenuates the metastatic ability of cervical cancer cells, both of which are attributed to the activation of the ASK1/MEK3/p38/YB1 axis and the inhibition of AP1-mediated MMP12 expression (Fig. 7). This evidence concerns the gene MMP12 and cervical carcinoma.