The genes chosen for analysis were based on previously published observations, whereby from a panel of extracellular matrix and matrix degrading enzyme genes investigated, only MMP -3 and ADAMTS -4, and aggrecan and type I collagen gene expression were altered in 1.0 Hz CTS treated non-degenerate and degenerate AF cells, respectively [40]. Here, ADAMTS4 is linked to atrial fibrillation.