MMP3 and atherosclerosis: The MMP3 gene is located on chromosome 11q22.2-q22.3 and encodes matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), a secreted enzyme that degrades key components of the extracellular matrix, including fibronectin, laminin, and collagen types III, IV, IX, and X. It also plays essential roles in tissue remodeling, wound repair, and the progression of atherosclerosis [48].