Furthermore, several RA-relevant transcripts were upregulated by 14-3-3η, including proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as joint degradation factors such as MMP-9 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and rheumatoid arthritis.