Paul, Tamara.

Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are produced by a wide variety of cell types. Similar to matrixins, the expression of TIMPs in the tissue is also controlled during tissue remodeling and physiological conditions to maintain a balance in the metabolism of extracellular matrix. Disruption of this balance can result in diseases associated with uncontrolled turnover of matrix, such as arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some of the biological processes TIMPs participate in include: regulation of cell morphology and organ morphogenesis, inhibition of angiogenesis, steroidogenesis, and tissue remodeling. One major function of TIMPs is inhibition of Matrix Metaloproteinase (MMPs). This project used bioinformatic techniques to identify two Caenorhabditis elegans TIMP cDNA cloned by BLAST searching of EST database. These TIMP cDNA were amplified, cloned and expressed, proteins were purified. Kinetic studies were carried out to evaluate the inhibitory activities against various MMPs and TACE. This research project will provide some insight on the function of C. elegans TIMPs.