TIMP-2

TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 is also known as TIMP2, which belongs to the protease inhibitor I35 (TIMP) family. This family protein are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases, a group of peptidases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. The TIMP family encompasses four members ( TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, TIMP4 ), and they inhibit most MMPs by forming non-covalent binary complex. In addition to an inhibitory role against metalloproteinases, TIMP2 has a unique role among TIMP family members in its ability to directly suppress the proliferation of endothelial cells. As a result, TIMP-2 may be critical to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis by suppressing the proliferation of quiescent tissues in response to angiogenic factors, and by inhibiting protease activity in tissues undergoing remodelling of the extracellular matrix.