Given the similarities between FLS and transformed cancer cells, we examined the expression of RasGRF1 in RA and non-RA synovial tissue and FLS, providing evidence that elevated RasGRF1 expression and post-translational modification of this protein in RA synovial tissue may contribute to joint destruction by stimulating MMP-3 production. The gene discussed is MMP3; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.