Based on the aforementioned findings, LCN2 has been identified as a facilitator of breast tumor invasion and metastasis by a variety of mechanisms: 1) induction of EMT, 2) enhancement of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, 3) binding to MMP-9, 4) interaction with innate immune system, 5) disruption of BBB 6) modulation of brain microenvironment. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is breast neoplasm.