Metalloproteinase inhibitor that acts on both matrix metalloproteinases Mmp1 and Mmp2 in vitro (PubMed:14567681). Complexes with metalloproteinases and irreversibly inactivates them by binding to their catalytic zinc cofactor (By similarity). Required for wing maturation which is the final step in morphogenesis of the adult fly (PubMed:16962574). Involved in the negative regulation of developmental tissue invasion for imaginal disk eversion during metamorphosis by inhibiting Mmp-mediated basement membrane (BM) degradation (PubMed:17301221). Required for oogenesis and for the long-term maintainance of germarial structure and shape in the adult ovaries. Required for maintaining composition and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and for the normal organization and cyst production of the germline stem cell (GSC) niche (PubMed:26808525). Expressed in heads of female and male adult flies (PubMed:10961449). Expressed at the time of eclosion in unopened wings of adult flies (PubMed:16962574). Strongly expressed at the tip of ovarian germarium region 1 where germline stem cells (GSCs) and cystoblasts reside and in region 2 of the germarium (PubMed:26808525). Expressed throughout development in larvae and pupae. Expressed at embryonic stage 14-17 in a small constriction of the gut, in the full complement of cardial cells and in a paired anterior structure, possibly belonging to the antenno-maxillary complex. Adult flies display wings inflated with lymph, suffer from a bloated gut and progressive dissolution of internal tissues, have reduced fertility, show impaired fast phototactic responses, and die prematurely (PubMed:10961449). Flies display wings with fluid filled blisters approximately 22 hours after eclosion resulting from failure of dorsal and ventral cuticular wing surfaces to bond following normal migration of the epithelial cells from the wing (PubMed:16962574). Female flies are sub-viable, semi-sterile and grow smaller ovaries. Ovaries show cellular degeneration with escort cells and follicle cells often displaying clear cytoplasms, multi-lamellar bodies and multi-vesicular vacuoles containing cell debris. Ovaries have reduced levels of both extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen IV alpha chains. Reduced tissue stiffness along germaria of ovarioles, including the germline stem cell (GSC) niche and the area where the follicle stem cells reside, as well as in the follicular epithelium of early egg chambers and their interfollicular stalks, despite a largely normal distribution of major ECM components. Severely impaired oogenesis, abnormally long interfollicular stalks, significant alterations to germarium morphology and abnormalities in stem cell niche organization in aging ovaries. Impaired ability of the GSC niche to generate new cysts. Abnormal localization of matrix metalloproteinases Mmp1 and Mmp2 (PubMed:26808525). Belongs to the protease inhibitor I35 (TIMP) family.