ADAM12 and Hypertension: Therefore, it is plausible that expression of 247R in SMCs triggers constitutive activation of MMP-2 (similar to sustained agonist stimulation) and may also transcriptionally regulate expression of ADAM-12 or ADAM-10 representing a novel signaling mechanism in SMCs leading to hyperproliferation, hypertrophy and eventually to some forms of sympathetically-mediated hypertension.