TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 (for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, -2, -3 and -4) complex with metalloproteinases such as collagenases, vgelatinases and stromelysins, resulting in irreversible inactivation of the metalloproteinase. TIMP-1 was found to be identical to EPA (erythroidpotentiation activity). Parathyroid hormone has been shown to be a regulator of TIMP-2 in osteoblastic cells. TIMP-3 may be involved in regulating trophoblastic invasion of the uterus as well as in regulating remodeling of the extracellular matrix during the folding of epithelia, and in the formation, branching and expansion of epithelial tubes. TIMP-4 is most highly expressed in heart and low levels of TIMP-4 are expressed in liver, brain, lung, thymus and spleen.