Mechanically, ESM1 binds to c-Met receptor on the surface of endothelial cells, activates the downstream MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, and promotes the transcription and translation of pro-angiogenic molecules (such as HIF1α, VEGFA and MMP9) in endothelial cell, thereby promoting peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. Here, MMP9 is linked to gastric cancer.