Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the cDNA encoding rat tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-4.

We have cloned and sequenced the cDNA encoding the rat tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP-4). As a first step towards exploring the role of TIMP-4 in both the physiological and the pathological remodeling of extracellular matrix, we have extensively analyzed the mRNA expression of TIMP-4 in various rat tissues. The results reveal that the expression pattern of rat TIMP-4 is distinct from that of its human and mouse counterparts (Greene et al., 1996; Leco et al., 1997). In this report, we show that rat TIMP-4 is expressed much more extensively than previously reported, which suggests that it may play a significant role in modulating proteolysis of extracellular matrix in a wide range of tissue settings.