TIMP1 produced in Sf9 Baculovirus cells is a single, glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 190 amino acids (24-207a.a.) and having a molecular mass of 21.5kDa. TIMP1 is expressed with a 6 amino acid His tag at C-Terminus and purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) is a crucial protein that plays a significant role in regulating the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These MMPs are enzymes responsible for the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for various physiological processes such as tissue remodeling, wound healing, and angiogenesis. The recombinant form of TIMP-1, expressed in Sf9 cells, has been widely used in research to study its functions and potential therapeutic applications.
TIMP-1 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa due to glycosylation . It consists of a highly conserved N-terminal domain that binds to the active site of MMPs, inhibiting their proteolytic activity. This inhibition is crucial for maintaining the balance between ECM deposition and degradation . TIMP-1 has a higher binding affinity for MMP-9, MMP-1, and MMP-3 compared to other MMPs .
The biological activity of TIMP-1 is measured by its ability to inhibit the hydrolysis of peptide substrates by MMPs. For instance, the IC50 value of TIMP-1 for inhibiting human MMP-2 is in the range of 0.4–1.2 nM . This potent inhibitory activity makes TIMP-1 a valuable tool for studying the regulation of MMPs in various biological processes.
Recombinant human TIMP-1 is typically expressed in Sf9 cells, a type of insect cell line derived from the fall armyworm. The protein is purified using sequential chromatography techniques to achieve high purity levels (95% as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis) . The recombinant form is often lyophilized and can be reconstituted in sterile, distilled water for experimental use .
TIMP-1 has been extensively studied for its role in various physiological and pathological processes. It is used as a positive control in enzymatic assays, ELISA assays, immunoblotting, and substrate gel analysis . The protein’s ability to inhibit angiogenesis makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment, as angiogenesis is a crucial step in tumor invasion .
Recombinant TIMP-1 should be stored at -20°C to maintain its stability . Upon reconstitution, it is recommended to apportion the protein into working aliquots and store at ≤ -20°C to avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles . Proper storage and handling are essential to preserve the protein’s biological activity.