TIMP2 belongs to the TIMP gene family. The proteins encoded by this gene family are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases， a group of peptidases that take part in degradation of the extracellular matrix. Besides having an inhibitory role against metalloproteinases， the encoded protein has a exclusive part among TIMP family members in its capability to directly suppress the proliferation of endothelial cells. Consequently， the encoded protein is crucial to the conservation of tissue homeostasis by suppressing the production of quiescent tissues as an answer to angiogenic factors， and by inhibiting protease activity in tissues undergoing renovation of the extracellular matrix.
