Contributions of RasGRF1 to MMP-3 production in RA and other forms of arthritis will probably depend on RasGRF1 expression levels, on the extent of activating post-translational modifications of RasGRF1, and on the strength of extracellular stimuli leading to activation of residual full-length RasGRF1. This evidence concerns the gene MMP3 and arthritic joint disease.