MMP19, also known as RASI-1, is a member of the peptidase M1A family. It contains 4 hemopexin-like domains and is expressed in mammary gland, placenta, lung, pancreas, ovary, small intestine, spleen, thymus, prostate, testis colon, heart and blood vessel walls. It is a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). Proteins of the MMP family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP's are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. MMP19 may play a role in pathological processes participating in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated joint tissue destruction. Autoantigen anti-MMP19 are frequent in RA patients.