We mentioned above that MMP-2 may contribute to tumor cell apoptosis.21 However, it has been shown that MMP-2 co-localizes with TIMP-1 in neonatal rat neurons, while TIMP-1 inhibits MMP-2 function.21 Thus, TIMP-1 can prevent MMP-2-induced apoptosis and allow cells without expression of nuclear MMP-2 can survive and evolve. This evidence concerns the gene TIMP1 and neoplasm.