**Background of TIMP4 Antibody**
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP4) is a member of the TIMP family, which regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMP4 is expressed in various tissues, including the heart, brain, and reproductive organs, and plays dual roles in physiological processes (e.g., tissue repair) and pathological conditions (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and fibrosis). Its dysregulation is linked to tumor progression, where it may either promote or suppress metastasis depending on context, and to cardiovascular pathologies like myocardial remodeling.
TIMP4 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying TIMP4 expression in research. They enable the study of TIMP4's role in ECM dynamics, cell signaling, and disease mechanisms through techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. These antibodies aid in exploring TIMP4 as a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis or therapeutic targeting. For instance, in cancer research, TIMP4 antibodies help assess its correlation with tumor stage and patient prognosis. Both polyclonal and monoclonal TIMP4 antibodies are available, with specificity validated for diverse experimental models. Ongoing research focuses on clarifying TIMP4's context-dependent functions and therapeutic applications.