[Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP 1-2. Structures and functions]

Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) represent a family of ubiquitous proteins which main biological function resides in their ability to control the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS). The structures and specificities of TIMP1 and TIMP2 are described. Moreover, TIMP1, but not TIMP2, is able to stimulate the growth of several cell types. TIMP1 interacts with keratinocytes via a receptor mediated pathway (Kd = 8.7 nM; 135,000 sites/cell). Thus, this inhibitor does contain several structural domains able to recognize i) MMP active site, ii) pro-MMP9 hemopexin-like domain, iii) cell membrane proteins.