Complexes with metalloproteinases (such as collagenases) and irreversibly inactivates them by binding to their catalytic zinc cofactor. Also mediates erythropoiesis in vitro; but, unlike IL-3, it is species-specific, stimulating the growth and differentiation of only human and murine erythroid progenitors.
[1] Docherty A.J.P., Lyons A., Smith B.J., Wright E.M., Stephens P.E., Harris T.J.R.,Murphy G., Reynolds J.J.Sequence of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases and its identity to erythroid-potentiating activity. Nature 318:66-69(1985) [2] Gasson
