Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in the control of matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) activity as a key inhibitor in tissue. Expression of MMPs and TIMPs are controlled during tissue remodeling to maintain a balance in the regulation of extracellular matrix turnover and other morphogenic processes. TIMP-2 has also been reported to have growth factor properties. Zebrafish TIMP-2 shows high similarity to human TIMP-2 with all critical features conserved. Immunoreactive zebrafish TIMP-2 was detected at the protein level with a recombinant antibody for human TIMP-2. TIMP-2 was shown to be expressed as early as the one cell stage, and blockage of TIMP-2 translation resulted in abnormal zebrafish development.