Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, TIMP-1, is one of the four members of the TIMP family which inhibit the activity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large group of peptidases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. TIMP-1 displays multiple biological functions. TIMP-1 is capable of inhibiting the activities of most MMPs except membrane-type MMP subfamily. Associated with its inhibitory activity on MMPs, TIMP-1 is able to promote cell proliferation and survival in a wide range of cell types. Recent findings have separated the MMP inhibitory activity of TIMP-1 from its growth promoting effect. TIMP-1 exhibits growth factor-like activity and acts as a cell survival factor which may be mediated through ligand-receptor interactions.
The balance of TIMPs/MMPs plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix homeostasis and remodeling, the imbalance of TIMPs/MMPs is involved in various kinds of diseases in multiple organs. Breaking the balance between MMPs and TIMPs occurs in various pathologic processes and involves all the members of these two families. Elevation of TIMP-1 has been reported in diseases such as systemic sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), renal disease and invasive tumors. Down regulation of TIMP-1 was found to be associated with ischemic heart failureand chronic inflammation.
Isolated from stimulated human neutrophils. The secreted protein consists of 184 amino acids, six disulfide bonds and two glycosylation sites containing N-linked oligosaccharides., ≥92% (SDS-PAGE, Western blot) | Print as PDF
