Background Our previous studies demonstrated that mutant IκBα (IκBαM) inhibited the occurrence, growth and angiogenesis of human glioblastoma multiform (GBM). However, the specific mechanism by which IKBαM regulates protein-degrading enzymes secreted from GBM to inhibit invasion and metastasis has remained unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory role and significance of IκBαM genes in the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in human GBM. Methods We established the following four GBM cell lines stably expressing IκBαM by plasmid construction, gene transfection and screening for IκBαM protein expression: mutant IκBα-transfected cells (G36△-M), wild-type IκBα-transfected cells (G36△-W), empty plasmid transfected cells (G36△-P) and untransfected cells (G36△). The TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was detected by RT-PCR and West blotting. Tumor cells were then implanted subcutaneously into nude mice to establish an animal model of ectopic tumor growth, and TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemical methods. Results The results showed that there was a significant increase in TIMP-2 expression and a significant decrease in MMP-9 expression in the G36A-M group at both the RNA and protein levels compared with the G36A-W group, G36△-P group and G36△ group. Similar results were observed in the immunohistochemical staining analysis of tumor tissues. In the G36A-M group, TIMP-2 expression was significantly higher while MMP-9 expression was significantly lower than in the other three groups. Conclusions Our findings indicate that IκBαM inhibits the activation of NF-κB. It significantly up-regulates TIMP-2 expression in human malignant glioma cells and down-regulates the expression of MMP-9. Thus, IκBαM maintains the integrity of the extracellular matrix and further inhibits the growth and metastasis of tumor tissues.