TIMPの構造と機能

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are intrinsic inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. The balance between the activities of MMPs and TIMPs play a pivotal role in not only normal embroyogenesis, development and remodeling but also many pathological disorders, such as fibrosis, inflammation, and tumor invasion and metastasis. To date the four members of TIMP family, that is, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4, have been described. They differ in structures, biochemical properties and expression, suggesting that they have distinct physiological roles. Besides MMP inhibitory activity, TIMPs have unique functions represented with cell growth-stimulating activity, and some of these functions are known to be independent of their inhibitory activity. The first half of this article reviews the general aspect of TIMP structures and their inhibitory activities, especially emphasizing recent progress in the field. The second half details the multiple functions of TIMPs.
日本結合組織学会の論文
2001-03-25