TIMP-2: Proteins and Enzymes

TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2) is one of several TIMPs that form complexes with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inhibit their proteolytic activity. MMPs play an important role in many normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, morphogenesis, reproduction and tissue remodeling. They also participate in many pathological processes such as arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. TIMP-2 binding to pro-MMP-2 is essential for the cell surface activation of pro-MMP-2 by active MMP-14 (MT1-MMP). TIMP-2 also suppresses EGF-mediated mitogenic signaling by short-circuiting EGF R activation.