Description

TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are inhibitory enzymes of matrix metalloproteinase family, and are thought to be of great importance in the maintenance of connective tissue integrity. TIMP-2 shows the highest binding affinity to both the latent (pro) and active forms of 72kDa Type IV collagenase (also known as MMP-2 or gelatinase A). It also has affinity for the active form of 92kDa Type IV collagenase (also known as MMP-9 or gelatinase B). TIMP-2 inhibits the proteolytic invasiveness of tumor cells and normal placental trophoblast cells.