Among these DEGs, by comparing the DEG datasets, we found that MMP12, BOLA2B, KDM5D, and RPS4Y1 were significantly different in NEC versus NEC‐SC (p < 0.001) but not in NEC‐SC versus NOR (p > 0.05), which suggests that these DEGs in self‐control tissues are not affected by necrotizing invasion of NEC, and they may become new potential genes to promote the study of the pathogenesis of NEC. The gene discussed is MMP12; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.