ADAM proteases: Emerging role and targeting of the non-catalytic domains

Nayanendu Saha1, Dorothea Robev1, Juha P Himanen1

  • 1Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.

Cancer Letters
|October 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

ADAM proteases, like ADAM10, are crucial in cancer progression. A new anti-ADAM10 antibody effectively inhibits Notch signaling and reduces solid tumor growth in preclinical models, offering a promising cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • ADAM proteases are transmembrane metalloproteases involved in cleaving cell surface proteins.
  • These proteases activate signaling pathways, such as Notch, EGFR, and Eph receptors, which are implicated in tumor progression.
  • ADAM proteases are recognized as significant therapeutic targets for inhibiting tumor initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the distinct features, domain organization, regulation, and therapeutic importance of ADAM proteases, particularly ADAM10 and ADAM17, in cancer.
  • To highlight a newly developed anti-ADAM10 monoclonal antibody and its preclinical efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on ADAM proteases, focusing on ADAM10 and ADAM17.
  • Description of ADAM protease domain organization and regulation.
  • Presentation of preclinical data for a novel anti-ADAM10 monoclonal antibody.

Main Results:

  • ADAM10 and ADAM17 play critical roles in cancer by modulating key signaling pathways.
  • The developed anti-ADAM10 monoclonal antibody demonstrates significant promise.
  • This antibody effectively inhibits Notch signaling and deters solid tumor growth in preclinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • ADAM proteases are validated therapeutic targets in oncology.
  • The novel anti-ADAM10 monoclonal antibody represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth and progression.

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