Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 mRNA 3' untranslated region (TIMP2 mRNA 3'UTR)

The TIMP2 mRNA 3'UTR is a regulatory segment of the messenger RNA that encodes the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2), a protein essential for maintaining extracellular matrix integrity by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (UniProt P16035). This untranslated region contains multiple binding sites for microRNAs, most notably the miR-221/222 cluster, which negatively regulates TIMP2 expression at the post-transcriptional level (PubMed 22430262). In many pathological states, particularly aggressive cancers, the overexpression of these microRNAs leads to the downregulation of TIMP2 via its 3'UTR, resulting in unchecked MMP activity that facilitates tumor cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis (PubMed 25670453). Consequently, the TIMP2 mRNA 3'UTR is a significant therapeutic target for RNA-based interventions, such as antisense oligonucleotides or miRNA antagomirs, designed to restore TIMP2 levels and suppress tissue remodeling in diseases like cancer and fibrosis (PubMed 28656234).

Other names

TIMP-2 3'UTRTIMP2 3-prime untranslated regionTIMP2 mRNA 3-prime untranslated region

Binding of microRNAs or antisense oligonucleotides to specific seed sequences within the 3'UTR to induce mRNA degradation or translational repression of the TIMP2 transcript.