TIMP-1 (Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1, Erythroid-potentiating activity, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, Fibroblast collagenase inhibitor, Collagenase inhibitor, Erythroid potentiating activity)

This gene belongs to the TIMP gene family. The proteins encoded by this gene family are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of peptidases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. In addition to its inhibitory role against most of the known MMPs, the encoded protein is able to promote cell proliferation in a wide range of cell types and may also have an anti-apoptotic function.