The fact that STAT3 negatively regulated MMP-12 is significant as this protease is upregulated in COPD patients (Demedts et al., 2006; Ilumets et al., 2007) and plays a critical role in smoke-induced emphysema in mice (Hautamaki et al., 1997). The gene discussed is MMP12; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.