Tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2) gene is a member of the TIMP gene family. Of the four known members of the TIMP family, TIMP-2 has both features common to all TIMPs and its own unique features. The proteins encoded by this gene family are natural inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), a group of peptidases involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix. TIMP2 acts as both an MMP inhibitor and an activator. TIMP-1 inhibited the activity of MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-1 and MMP-3 better than TIMP-2, while TIMP-2 inhibited the activity of MMP-2 more effectively than other TIMPs. In melanocytes, the expression of TIMP2 gene may be regulated by MITF. Recent studies have found that TIMP2 plays an important role in hippocampal function and cognitive function.