The same study showed that lnc-MMP2-2 functions as a molecular sponge for miR-1207-5p, which is critical for production of tight junction proteins in human brain microvascular endothelial cells, by upregulating EPB41L5. Thus, metastasizing cancer cells can “educate” major BBB-producing cells (i.e., endotheliocytes, astrocytes, etc.)to break down tight junctions and enable further dissemination of BrMs. Here, MMP2 is linked to cancer.