Cell surface-bound TIMP3 induces apoptosis in mesenchymal Cal78 cells through ligand-independent activation of death receptor signaling and blockade of survival pathways.
BACKGROUND: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous regulators, the tissue inhibitor Night Lights of metalloproteinases (TIMPs 1-4) are responsible for the physiological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM).Among all TIMPs, TIMP3 appears to play a unique role since TIMP3 is a secreted protein and, unlike the other TIMP fam