Our findings reveal that adenine reduces the protein levels of tPA and MMP9 but increases the protein level of TIMP-1, suggesting that adenine may inhibit ECM degradation through the downregulation of MMP and PA proteins (such as tPA and MMP9) and the upregulation of proteinase inhibitors (such as TIMP-1) and, thereby, attenuate the metastatic potential of CRC cells. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.