Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 interacts with angiotensin II type 2 receptor and additively inhibits angiogenesis

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are complex molecules with both pro- and anti-tumour effects. Thus, their diverse expression could be because of their multifunctional properties with respect to tumour growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and other biological functions. Previous data have shown that TIMPs bind tightly to most matrix metalloproteinases, although the pathway that mediates angiostatic activity has not been fully established.