Description
This gene is a member of the TIMP gene family. The proteins encoded by this gene family are natural inhibitors ofthe matrix metalloproteinases, a group of peptidases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. Inaddition to an inhibitory role against metalloproteinases, the encoded protein has a unique role among TIMPfamily members in its ability to directly suppress the proliferation of endothelial cells. As a result, theencoded protein may be critical to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis by suppressing the proliferation ofquiescent tissues in response to angiogenic factors, and by inhibiting protease activity in tissues undergoingremodelling of the extracellular matrix