TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2, a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, also known as TIMP2, is  a member of the TIMP family. The proteins  are natural inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases, a group of peptidases involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. In addition to an inhibitory role against metalloproteinases, the encoded protein has a unique role among TIMP family members in its ability to directly suppress the proliferation of endothelial cells. As a result, the encoded protein may be critical to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis by suppressing the proliferation of quiescent tissues in response to angiogenic factors, and by inhibiting protease activity in tissues undergoing remodelling of the extracellular matrix. In melanocytic cells TIMP2 gene expression may be regulated by MITF.