Several collagen, genes, such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2) and intergrin beta-1 (Itgb1) were found to be associated with up-regulation by miR-29b [123], with the inhibition of several of these collagen genes implicating that an increase in mir-29b levels may protect the rat from hypertensive nephropathy. Here, MMP2 is linked to hypertensive nephropathy.