Studies have shown that overexpression of MMP-2 and VEGF in vivo induces an imbalance in matrix protein synthesis and degradation, and aberrant expression by macrophages and fibroblasts, which in turn induces angiogenesis and bone destruction, exacerbating RA symptoms in patients (Taylor, 2002; Meng et al., 2023). The gene discussed is MMP2; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.