Essential role of the disintegrin-like domain in ADAMTS13 function

ADAMTS13 is a highly specific multidomain plasma metalloprotease that regulates the multimeric size and function of von Willebrand factor (VWF) through cleavage at a single site in the VWF A2 domain. The precise role that the ADAMTS13 disintegrin-like domain plays in its function remains uncertain. Truncated ADAMTS13 variants suggested the importance of the disintegrin-like domain for both enzyme activity and specificity. Targeted mutagenesis of nonconserved regions (among ADAMTS family members) in the disintegrin-like domain identified 3 of 8 ADAMTS13 mutants (R349A, L350G, V352G) with reduced proteolytic activity. Kinetic analyses revealed a 5- to 20-fold reduction in catalytic efficiency of VWF115 (VWF residues 1554-1668) proteolysis by these mutants. These residues form a predicted exposed exosite on the surface of the disintegrin-like domain that lies approximately 26 A from the active site. Kinetic analysis of VWF115 carrying the D1614A mutation suggested that Arg349 in the ADAMTS13 disintegrin-like domain interacts directly with Asp1614 in VWF A2. We hypothesize that this interaction assists in positioning the scissile bond within the active site of ADAMTS13 and therefore plays a major role in determining cleavage parameters (K(m) and k(cat)), as opposed to binding affinity (K(d)) of ADAMTS13 for VWF, the latter being primarily determined by the spacer domain.