Evaluating the effect of minimal TIMP variants on protecting and transport across the rat brain microvascular cells (RBMEC).

ABSTRACT: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), endogenous inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), can be tailored to regulate MMP activity and mitigate the disruptive effects of specific MMPs when dysregulated in diseases. MMPs, especially MMP-9, are major contributors to the degradation of extracellular matrix components, leading to BBB disruption in neurological disorders. The upregulation of MMPs undermines blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and drives neuroinflammation. Engineering minimal protein variants offers enhanced modularity, tissue penetration, and BBB permeability. Minimal TIMP variants were engineered, aiming to improve their therapeutic reach across both sides of the BBB, particularly when delivery to the brain is essential. In this study, we assessed the protect

SUBMITTER: Taheri E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12783103 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature