We examined the mRNA expression profiles of RECK transcripts, as well as of MMPs reportedly inhibited by canonical RECK (MMP-2, -9 and -14), and of endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4) in astrocytomas of different grades of malignancy. The gene discussed is TIMP4; the disease is astrocytoma (excluding glioblastoma).