= Solution
Three complementary readouts would separate local matrix degradation from invasive and metastatic behaviour:
* A three-dimensional matrix invasion assay would ask whether viable cells actually penetrate an extracellular barrier, with cell number and proliferation controlled.
* Measuring cell-surface <MT1-MMP> alongside its intracellular distribution would test the proposed cargo-trafficking mechanism rather than relying only on the gelatin endpoint.
* A matched in vivo tumour comparison could measure metastatic burden relative to primary tumour burden, distinguishing reduced dissemination from a general reduction in tumour growth.
Empty-vector and inactive-fragment controls are needed throughout. Neither reduced gelatin digestion alone nor fewer cells after treatment establishes a specific effect on <metastasis>.
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