ADAM9
Unlocking the Secrets of ADAM9: An Integral Protein with Diverse Roles
Description
ADAM9 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 9) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the ADAM family of metalloproteinases. It comprises an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. ADAM9 plays crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and signal transduction.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of ADAM9 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including:
- Arthritis: ADAM9 is involved in cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
- Cancer: Increased ADAM9 expression is associated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers, including lung, breast, and colon cancer.
- Heart disease: ADAM9 contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
- Neurological disorders: Mutations in ADAM9 have been linked to Alzheimer‘s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, ADAM9 expression is over 10-fold higher in aggressive breast cancer cells compared to non-aggressive cells. This highlights the potential of ADAM9 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
