An Overview of ADAMTS Proteases

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The ADAMTS superfamily includes 19 proteases and 7 proteases-like proteins involved in development and adult tissue maintenance.
• While ADAMTS proteases act via proteolysis and ADAMTS-like proteins as matricellular proteins, their functional relationship remains unclear.
• ADAMTS proteins are implicated in Mendelian and acquired diseases, including inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the essential background and concepts relevant to the ADAMTS superfamily.
• To highlight the biological and medical importance of ADAMTS proteins.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding ADAMTS molecular structures, substrates, binding partners, and biochemical mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ADAMTS superfamily.
• Analysis of data from spontaneous mutations and genetically engineered models (invertebrate and mammalian).
• Focus on understanding ADAMTS biological roles in organogenesis, cellular impact, and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• ADAMTS proteases and ADAMTS-like proteins play diverse roles in embryonic development and adult connective tissue maintenance and hemostasis.
• ADAMTS proteins are implicated in various human and animal disorders, including Mendelian and acquired diseases.
• Despite extensive investigation of ADAMTS2, ADAMTS5, and ADAMTS13, knowledge gaps persist for other family members.

Conclusions:

• The ADAMTS superfamily is crucial for numerous biological processes and disease pathways.
• Further research is essential to elucidate the molecular structures, substrates, binding partners, and biochemical mechanisms of less-studied ADAMTS proteins and ADAMTS-like proteins.
• Understanding the ADAMTS superfamily is vital for advancing human and animal health research.