ADAM17 is essential for ectodomain shedding of the EGF-receptor ligand amphiregulin

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor ligand amphiregulin (AREG) is a potent growth factor implicated in proliferative skin diseases and in primary and metastatic epithelial cancers. AREG, synthesized as a propeptide, requires conversion to an active peptide by metalloproteases by a process known as ectodomain shedding. Although (ADAM17) a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 is a key sheddase of AREG, ADAM8-, ADAM15-, and batimastat (broad metalloprotease inhibitor)-sensitive metalloproteases have also been implicated in AREG shedding. In the present study, using a curly bare (Rhbdf2 ) mouse model that shows loss-of-hair, enlarged sebaceous gland, and rapid cutaneous wound-healing phenotypes mediated by enhanced Areg mRNA and protein levels, we sought to identify the principal ectodomain sheddase of AREG. To this end, we generated Rhbdf2 mice lacking ADAM17 specifically in the skin and examined the above phenotypes of Rhbdf2 mice. We find that ADAM17 deficiency in the skin of Rhbdf2 mice restores a full hair coat, prevents sebaceous gland enlargement, and impairs the rapid wound-healing phenotype observed in Rhbdf2 mice. Furthermore, in vitro, stimulated shedding of AREG is abolished in Rhbdf2 mouse embryonic keratinocytes lacking ADAM17. Thus, our data support previous findings demonstrating that ADAM17 is the major ectodomain sheddase of AREG.