This is a direct consequence of its involvement in the cleavage of BM and stromal ECM components, the activation of other MMPs, the release of bioactive molecules, such as TGF-β, SDF, cytokines, and matrikines, the cleavage of cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion molecules, and other non-proteolytic functions in cancer progression. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is cancer.