M-TIMP-3 is the third described of the four known mammalian TIMPs. The TIMPs are so named because they are slow, tight binding endogenous inhibitors of the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMP-3 is constitutively produced by many cell types in culture, and differs from the other three TIMPs in its localization to the extracellular matrix (ECM). TIMP-3 has a much more basic Pi than the other TIMPs, and the basic residues are thought to help anchor TIMP-3 into the ECM. The 4 TIMPs have different inhibition constants for the different MMPs studied. TIMP-2 has a greater efficiency against MMP-2, and TIMP-1 works better against MMP-9, MMP-1 and MMP-3. In addition to inhibiting the MMPs, TIMPs have been shown to have activity against the ADAMs family of proteinases. To date no other specific endogenous inhibitors of ADAMs proteinases have been identified. TIMP-3 is an efficient "sheddase" inhibitor, inhibiting ADAM-17 (TACE) at the low nanomolar levels seen with MMP inhibition. The other ADAMs proteinases have not yet been assayed for TIMP inhibition, but TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 seems to be much less active on ADAM-17 than is TIMP-3. H-TIMP-3 can be used as a positive control in enzymatic assays, ELISA assays, Western blots and substrate gel analysis (reverse zymograms). The TIMP-3 is a mix of glycosylated and unglycosylated forms, about 24 and 21 kD in size on reduced Western blots.

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS.

Triple Point Biologics products are sold exclusively through Abcam. For availability, pricing and buying information please select your country below and press 'Go'. You will be relocated to the relevant datasheet page on Abcam's website.