EGFR and neoplasm: It has also been implicated in inflammation, though blocking MMP9 did not improve active UC.51 Matrix metalloproteinases including MMP9 play a role in tissue remodeling, but further studies are required regarding MMP9 in MH.51, 52 Notably, MMP9 expression regulates epithelial barrier function, as evident by decreased paracellular permeability and reorganization of claudins; it also acts as a tumor suppressor in colitis-associated cancer by sustaining the epithelial mucosal integrity through/ the activation of EGFR-Sp1 signaling pathway.52