MMP2 and neoplasm: These include ECM proteins like collagen, MMPs (MMP-2, -9, and -13), angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF), growth factors (TGF-β, HGF), and chemokines such as CXCL-8 and IL-6, which affect tumor cell growth, metastatic potential, drug resistance, and CSC self-renewal [212, 223–225].