protein_function: Complexes with metalloproteinases (such as collagenases)and irreversibly inactivates them by binding to their catalyticzinc cofactor. May form part of a tissue-specific acute responseto remodeling stimuli. Known to act on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7,MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14 and MMP-15.
The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases, a group of zinc-binding endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The TIMP3 gene is expressed in many tissues, with highest expression in the placenta. TIMP3 encodes a potent angiogenesis inhibitor and is mutated in Sorsby fundus dystrophy, a macular degenerative disease with submacular choroidal neovascularization. TIMP3 gene is mapped to 22q12.1-q13.2. Mutations in TIMP3 cause the autosomal dominant disorder Sorsby"s fundus dystrophy(SFD).