TIMP1 Human, HEK

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) is a glycoprotein and a member of the TIMP family of endogenous matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors. The TIMP family consists of four members: TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 . TIMP-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and degradation, and it can inhibit angiogenesis, a critical step in tumor invasion .

TIMP-1 is composed of an N-terminal domain of 125 residues and a C-terminal domain of 65 residues, both of which contain three disulfide bonds . The human recombinant form of TIMP-1 is often expressed in HEK 293 cells, which are human embryonic kidney cells commonly used in biotechnology for protein production .

TIMP-1 regulates the activity of MMPs, which are zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the ECM . By inhibiting MMPs, TIMP-1 helps control processes such as tissue repair, wound healing, and tumor invasion . TIMP-1 has a higher binding efficiency to MMP-9, MMP-1, and MMP-3 compared to other MMPs .

In addition to its inhibitory role, TIMP-1 can promote cell development across various cell types and has been shown to have anti-apoptotic effects, which contribute to the death of cancerous cells .

An imbalance between TIMPs and MMPs has been linked to several medical conditions, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer metastasis, and endometriosis . TIMP-1’s ability to inhibit angiogenesis makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment .

The human recombinant form of TIMP-1, expressed in HEK 293 cells, is used in various research and clinical applications. It is available in different quantities and is shipped under specific conditions to maintain its stability .