Tissue inhibitors of matrixmetalloproteinases (TIMP) have independently of their function - inhibiting the proteinase activity of MMP (matrixmetalloproteinases) been described as factors involved in tumor progression: TIMP 1 and 2, both inhibit tumor cell apoptosis; TIMP 1 promotes tumor angiogenesis and TIMP 2 accelerates tumor progression. The gene discussed is TIMP1; the disease is neoplasm.