MMP7 (matrix metallopeptidase 7) is an extracellular protease that degrades extracellular matrix components including collagens (types I, III, IV, V), fibronectin, and casein, while activating procollagenase 1. It functions in extracellular matrix disassembly and organization, with roles in cell migration and proteolysis 2. Mechanistically, MMP7 expression is induced through the MAPK(JNK)-AP1 signaling axis in response to bacterial infection, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer 2. In cancer contexts, MMP7 is upregulated by upstream regulators like SIPA1, promoting invasive and migratory phenotypes 3. MMP7+ tumor cells co-localize with CD14+APOE+ myeloid cells, creating immune-exclusionary microenvironments that inhibit T-cell infiltration 4. Clinically, MMP7 dysregulation associates with multiple diseases. Genetic variants (rs10502001, rs1943779, rs11568818) increase susceptibility to COPD, breast cancer, and cervical cancer 156. Elevated MMP7 expression correlates with worse prognosis in colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and biliary atresia, predicting immunotherapy resistance and Kasai portoenterostomy failure 247. MMP7 serves as a plasma biomarker for early colorectal cancer detection, achieving >0.88 AUC in diagnostic models 8.