TGFB1 and neoplasm: GO and KEGG analyses were then conducted on co-expressed genes to explore potential pathways linked to MMP14, including proteoglycans in tumor development, Rap1 signaling pathway, phagosome, resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, among others, shedding light on the complex mechanisms involving MMP14. Additionally, MMP14 GSVA analysis in CRC uncovered a strong association between MMP14 and pathways such as angiogenesis, TGFB signaling, ECM-related genes, and collagen formation, emphasizing the oncogenic role of MMP14 in CRC progression.