Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) constitute a family of secreted multifunctional proteins which are classified based on structural similarity to each other as well as their ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMPs therefore play a critical role in ECM homeostasis but have also been shown to have erythroid-potentiating and cell growth-promoting activities. TIMP-4 (~23kDa), unlike TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3, shows restricted localization to cardiac, neural, breast and muscle tissue. Cardiospecific TIMP-4 seems to play a significant role in regulating the normal cell phenotype since reduced levels elicit cellular transformation. It has been shown to be an inhibitor of MMP-1, MMP- 2, MMP-3, MMP-7 and MMP-9 with a preference for MMP-2 and MMP-7. 1-9