Since metalloproteinases, particularly members of the ADAMTS and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) families, are major contributors to aggrecan degradation and loss in disc degeneration, MMP-3, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 message levels were also examined, as their suppression is essential for disc repair. The gene discussed is ADAMTS4; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.