Human Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) Enzyme

Background

TIMP1 is a member of the TIMP family and acts as a natural inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that degrade components of the extracellular matrix TIMP1 regulates tissue remodeling, inflammation, and wound healing by inhibiting MMP activity and preventing excessive matrix breakdown It also exhibits anti-apoptotic properties by binding to cell surface receptors and activating survival pathways TIMP1 plays a role in cancer progression where its overexpression can inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis by limiting MMP activity, while paradoxically, it can also promote tumor growth by stimulating cell proliferation and angiogenesis Dysregulation of TIMP1 is observed in diseases such as fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions, where altered MMP activity contributes to tissue damage and remodeling TIMP1’s dual role as a regulator of extracellular matrix turnover and cell signaling makes it a key player in both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions