Analyzing the expression of factors involved in ECM remodeling and vascular cell migration and invasion, we found that mRNA levels of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 as well as uPAR surface expression along with the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were higher in ADSCs from aged patients with CAD.46,51 These results are consistent with those we previously obtained from ADSCs from young and old mice.45 The findings could reflect the adaptive reaction of stromal cells to the age-associated ECM changes within the blood vessel wall52 and increasing levels of pro-inflammatory factors and ROS. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is coronary artery disorder.