In particular, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-12 have been demonstrated to bind to and to digest insoluble elastin (168, 169), their activation being associated with cardiac valve diseases, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, and restenosis (7). The gene discussed is ELN; the disease is atherosclerosis.