Figure 2. Schematic representation of pro-MMP-2 activation by MT1-MMP and TIMP-1. MT1-MMP is bound at the cell surface (A). TIMP-1 binds to MT1-MMP (B). Pro-MMP-2 binds to this complex, and becomes activated. Uncomplexed MT1-MMPs may be recruited and aid in the activation of pro-MMP-2 (C). Subsequently, the complex dissociates (D). The binding sites for the formation of this complex are found in the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of TIMP-2, the hemopexin-like domain of pro-MMP-2, and the active site of MT1-MMP, as described in the text.