MMP3 and myocardial infarction: Fibroblasts isolated from SPARC null left ventricle (LV) showed significant differences in the expression of genes encoding ECM and adhesion molecule genes, including FN, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; CCN2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), accompanied by impaired fibroblast activation and adverse cardiac remodeling following MI (32).