Another study demonstrated that, in addition to its ability to block the action of MMPs, TIMP-2 can also modulate tumor-host interactions, angiogenesis, tumor growth, cell differentiation (through the regulation of cell-cycle regulatory proteins), disruption of VEGF signaling and inhibition of the mitogenic response of human microvascular endothelial cells to growth factors (16), which are MMP-independent effects. The gene discussed is TIMP2; the disease is neoplasm.