Characterization of the murine Timp4 gene, localization within intron 5 of the synapsin 2 gene and tissue distribution of the mRNA.

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases type 4 (TIMP-4), the newest member in the mammalian TIMP family of inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), differs from the other three TIMPs by its restricted expression pattern. This suggests that TIMP-4 could play a role in tissue-specific regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. To define this role, modulation of TIMP-4 production by overexpression, aberrant expression and inactivation of the Timp4 gene in transgenic mice should be performed.