TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 (TIMP-3)

TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 is an extracellular protein encoded by the *TIMP3* gene. It belongs to the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases family and functions primarily as an endogenous regulator that inhibits various matrix metalloproteinases involved in extracellular matrix degradation. The protein is enriched in placenta and fat tissues and localizes within the extracellular space. Its expression can be induced by mitogenic stimulation. Mutations in *TIMP3* are associated with Sorsby fundus dystrophy, an autosomal dominant disorder affecting vision. The protein exists both unglycosylated (~24 kDa) and glycosylated (~29 kDa) forms with inhibitory activity against several MMPs including interstitial collagenase, stromelysin-1, gelatinase A, and gelatinase B[1][2][6].

Other names

Metalloproteinase inhibitor 3Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3Protein MIG-5SFD (Sorsby fundus dystrophy-associated protein)

No drugs are currently known to directly target or modulate TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 as a primary mechanism; however, its inhibition or upregulation may be influenced by indirect mechanisms in disease contexts.