Other studies indicate that T3 can stimulate the expression of ERα without affecting ERβ1 or ERβ2. T3 also increases the expression of inflammation-associated genes such as cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 [16] that may contribute to cancer behavior. The gene discussed is ESR1; the disease is cancer.