The significance of this study is to determine the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase, also known as MMP9 in preterm births. Most pregnancies undergo 40 weeks of gestation, babies born between 37 and 42 completed weeks of gestation are called full term. Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are called premature. Proteins of the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological process such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling.

MMP-9 too early in the gestational period could lead to preterm destruction of the matrix, and thus, preterm birth. This study examines the genetic components of preterm births by genotyping DNA from premature babies and their families. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were chosen from the MMP9 gene were used to compare the transmission of alleles in the general population to the transmission in the preterm population. The data was analyzed using Family Based Association Tests (FBAT) in order to compare the transmission of alleles in the general population to that of the population of interest.

Matrix Metalloproteinase -9 is a significant factor in preterm births. MMP9 was the most significant in preterm babies who had mothers that experience spontaneous labor; however it was significant in premature infants in general, as well as specifically in early preterm infants. Future works based off of these findings are to understand how genes interact with the environment and to identify genes that interact with the environment.