MMP9 and neoplasm: The activation of MMPs via CD44 receptor protein help in invasion and also angiogenesis via degradation of collagen.52,53 The MMPs include MMP-2 (type IV collagenase), MMP-9 (type V collagenase), MMP-3 (stromelysins) and MMP-1 (interstitial fibroblast-type collagenase) degrade ECM materials, crucial in tumor invasion and metastases.