TIMP2 Human, His
Description
TIMP2 is fused to a 38 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease 2 (TIMP-2) is a secreted, multifunctional protein with a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa . It is a member of the TIMP family, which includes four endogenous proteins that primarily function to inhibit the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) . TIMP-2 is widely expressed in mammalian tissues and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between proteases and their inhibitors, which is essential for the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover .
The human recombinant TIMP-2 with a His tag is typically produced using prokaryotic expression systems. The gene encoding TIMP-2 is cloned into a suitable expression vector, such as pET28a, and transformed into Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3) cells . The expression of TIMP-2 is induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), and the protein is subsequently purified using nickel affinity chromatography . The His tag facilitates the purification process by allowing the recombinant protein to bind to the nickel ions on the affinity column .
TIMP-2 is known for its ability to inhibit the activity of MMPs, particularly MMP-2 . MMPs are a family of enzymes responsible for the degradation of the ECM, which is a critical process in various physiological and pathological conditions, including tissue remodeling, wound healing, and tumor invasion . By inhibiting MMPs, TIMP-2 helps to regulate ECM turnover and maintain tissue integrity .
In addition to its role as an MMP inhibitor, TIMP-2 is also involved in the activation of pro-MMP-2 through its interaction with MMP-14 . This dual function of TIMP-2 highlights its importance in the fine-tuning of ECM remodeling processes .
TIMP-2 is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart . Its expression levels can vary depending on the tissue type and the physiological or pathological state of the organism . For example, elevated levels of TIMP-2 have been observed in fibrotic tissues, where it contributes to ECM accumulation and fibrosis .
The expression of TIMP-2 is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Various cytokines, growth factors, and hormones can modulate TIMP-2 expression . Additionally, microRNAs, such as miR-410, have been shown to negatively regulate TIMP-2 expression, which is associated with the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer .
TIMP-2 has significant clinical implications, particularly in the context of cancer and fibrotic diseases. Its ability to inhibit MMPs makes it a potential therapeutic target for preventing tumor invasion and metastasis . Moreover, the regulation of TIMP-2 expression and activity could be a promising strategy for managing fibrotic conditions .
