Product description
Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) constitute a family of secreted multifunctional proteins which are classified based on structural similarity to each other as well as their ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMPs play a critical role in ECM homeostasis but have also been shown to have erythroid-potentiating and cell growth-promoting activities. TIMP-4, unlike TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3, shows restricted localization to cardiac, neural, breast, and muscle tissue. Cardiospecific TIMP-4 seems to play a significant role in regulating the normal cell phenotype since reduced levels elicit cellular transformation.