In RA, fibroblasts within the synovium become persistently activated, resulting in reduced responses to apoptotic signals, increased proliferation, production of proinflammatory molecules, such as IL-6 and CCL5, and the release of matrix remodeling enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and MMP-9 (12–19). The gene discussed is MMP3; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.