 This research paper examined the role of matrix metalloproteinase 7, MMP7, a protein secreted by epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF. The authors found that MMP7 expression was higher in IPF lung-based tissues compared to normal lung tissues, suggesting that it could play a role in the development of this disease. Furthermore, they observed that MMP7 protein levels were also higher in IPF lung based tissues compared to IPF lung apex tissues, indicating that the protein might be involved in the progression of the disease. Additionally, the authors found that MMP7 mRNA levels were higher in IPF lung-based tissues compared to normal lung tissues, suggesting that the protein may be produced by other cell types such as immune cells. Finally, the authors concluded that their findings suggest that MMP7 may be involved in the pathogenesis of IPF. This article was authored by J. Jaffa, May Wong, Gregory A. Fischbein, and others.