Activation of MMPs, particularly that of MMP-2 and MMP-9, is known to be downstream of EGFR35 and STAT342 activation, to be capable of damaging BBB permeability,43 and to be associated with CKD,44 leading us to hypothesize that the permeabilizing effects of pCS are mediated through these enzymes. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is chronic kidney disease.