Similarly, the expression of mesenchymal phenotype associated genes such as CDH2, VIM, MMP1 and MMP9 was enhanced with forced expression of ARTN, while that of epithelial phenotype associated genes such as CDH1 and OCLN were decreased, in accordance with the EMT-inducing, pro-migratory and pro-invasive function of ARTN in CRC cells. Here, MMP9 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.