COMPUTATIONAL SEQUENCE-ANALYSIS OF THE TISSUE INHIBITOR OF METALLOPROTEINASE FAMILY

The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) family regulates extr acellular matrix turnover and tissue remodeling by forming tight-bindi ng inhibitory complexes with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs an d TIMPs have been implicated in many normal and pathological processes , such as morphogenesis, development, angiogenesis, and cancer metasta sis. This minireview provides information that would aid in classifica tion of the TIMP family and in understanding the similarities and diff erences among TIMP members according to the physical data, primary str ucture, and homology values. Calculations of molecular weight, isoelec tric point values, and molar extinction coefficients are reported. Thi s study also compares sequence similarities and differences among the TIMP members through calculations of homology within their individual loop regions and the mature region of the molecule. Lastly, this repor t examines structure-function relationships of TIMPs. Thorough knowled ge of TIMP primary and tertiary structure would facilitate the uncover ing of the molecular mechanisms underlying metalloproteinase, inhibito ry activities and biological functions of TIMPs.