Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1, Erythroid-potentiating activity, EPA, TPA-S1, TPA-induced protein, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, TIMP-1, TIMP1.
Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1, Erythroid-potentiating activity, EPA, TPA-S1, TPA-induced protein, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, TIMP-1, TIMP1.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) is a multifunctional protein that belongs to the TIMP family, which also includes TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4. These proteins are natural inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. TIMP-1 is particularly significant due to its role in various biological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
TIMP-1 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa. It consists of 184 amino acids and contains six disulfide bonds that contribute to its stability. The protein is known for its ability to inhibit MMPs by forming non-covalent complexes with the active sites of these enzymes, thereby preventing them from degrading the extracellular matrix.
In addition to its MMP-inhibitory functions, TIMP-1 has been shown to have MMP-independent activities. These include promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating cell differentiation. TIMP-1 interacts with various cell surface receptors, such as CD63 and CD74, to mediate these effects .
TIMP-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis by regulating the activity of MMPs. It is involved in various physiological processes, including wound healing, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Dysregulation of TIMP-1 expression has been associated with several pathological conditions, such as cancer, fibrosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
In the context of cancer, TIMP-1 has been found to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects, depending on the type of cancer and the microenvironment. Elevated levels of TIMP-1 have been observed in various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. TIMP-1 can promote tumor growth by inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing cell proliferation. However, it can also suppress tumor invasion and metastasis by inhibiting MMP activity .
Recombinant TIMP-1, particularly from mouse sources, is widely used in research to study its biological functions and therapeutic potential. Recombinant mouse TIMP-1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding TIMP-1 is cloned into an expression vector and introduced into a host cell, such as E. coli or mammalian cells. The host cells then produce the TIMP-1 protein, which can be purified and used for various experimental applications.
Recombinant mouse TIMP-1 is used in a variety of research areas, including: