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The role of ADAMs in disease pathophysiology

Michael J Duffy1, Eadaoin McKiernan, Norma O'Donovan

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland. Michael.J.Duffy@ucd.ie

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|May 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

ADAM proteins are crucial in cell adhesion and proteolysis, with altered expression linked to diseases like cancer. Research highlights specific ADAMs

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain) are multidomain proteins involved in proteolysis and cell adhesion.
  • Altered expression of ADAMs is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ADAM proteins in disease pathophysiology, with a focus on their involvement in cancer.
  • To summarize current research on ADAMs in cancer formation and progression.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of ADAM inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating ADAM protein expression and function in various diseases.
  • Analysis of correlations between ADAM expression levels and disease severity or prognosis.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials for ADAM inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Multiple ADAMs (ADAM-9, ADAM-10, ADAM-12, ADAM-15, ADAM-17) are implicated in cancer development and progression.
  • Increased expression of specific ADAMs in cancers correlates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis.
  • Selective ADAM inhibitors targeting ADAM-10 and ADAM-17 are in clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • ADAM proteins play a significant role in cancer pathophysiology.
  • Targeting ADAMs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the causative roles of ADAMs in rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and asthma.

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