Medical Definition of Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases
1.
A family of secreted proteins (timp-1, timp-2, and timp-3) that play a crucial role in regulating the activity of the secreted metalloproteinases (collagenases, stromelysins, gelatinases). Of the three characterised, only timp-1 and timp-2 appear to have related primary structures and inhibitory properties. They influence the activation of the prometalloproteinase and act to modulate proteolysis of extracellular matrix, notably during tissue remodeling and inflammatory processes. On certain cell types, they can exhibit growth factor-like activity, and they can inhibit the tumourigenic and metastatic phenotype in cancer cells. (pharmacol ther 1993;59:329-41)
Pharmacological action: antineoplastic agent, protease inhibitors.
(12 Dec 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinases
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