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The ADAM gene family: surface proteins with adhesion and protease activity

P Primakoff1, D G Myles

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. pdprimakoff@ucdavis.edu

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|February 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

ADAM proteins are transmembrane proteins with cell adhesion and protease functions. This review discusses known ADAM gene products involved in diverse biological processes like fertilization and inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • ADAMs are transmembrane proteins characterized by disintegrin and metalloprotease domains.
  • These domains suggest potential roles in both cell adhesion and proteolytic activity.
  • The ADAM gene family comprises 29 members, with the functions of many remaining largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of ADAM gene products.
  • To highlight the diverse biological processes regulated by ADAMs.
  • To provide an overview of the current understanding of ADAM protein activities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ADAM gene products.
  • Analysis of published data on ADAM protein functions.
  • Synthesis of information on diverse biological roles.

Main Results:

  • ADAM proteins participate in a wide array of biological processes.
  • Known functions include roles in fertilization, neurogenesis, and myogenesis.
  • ADAMs are also implicated in embryonic growth factor release and inflammatory responses.

Conclusions:

  • ADAM proteins are crucial regulators of diverse physiological and pathological processes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the functions of many uncharacterized ADAMs.
  • Understanding ADAM functions is vital for insights into development, reproduction, and disease.

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