ADAMTSL3
adamtsl3: A Protease with Multifaceted Involvement in Health and Disease
Description
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-like 3 (ADAMTSL3) is a member of the ADAMTS family of proteases. These enzymes play crucial roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, inflammation, and tissue homeostasis. ADAMTSL3 specifically cleaves versican, an ECM proteoglycan involved in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling.
ADAMTSL3 is a secreted protein that is mainly expressed in the brain, heart, and liver. It is also found in various cell types, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and hepatocytes.
Associated Diseases
Dysfunction of ADAMTSL3 has been linked to several diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: ADAMTSL3 deficiency or dysfunction contributes to cardiac fibrosis and impaired angiogenesis.
- Neurodegenerative disorders: ADAMTSL3 plays a role in the degradation of amyloid-beta plaques in Alzheimer‘s disease.
- Liver fibrosis: ADAMTSL3 deficiency leads to increased versican accumulation and fibrosis in the liver.
- Cancer: ADAMTSL3 expression is altered in various types of cancer, suggesting a role in tumor growth and progression.
Did you Know ?
In a study of patients with cardiac fibrosis, researchers found that those with lower ADAMTSL3 levels had significantly impaired cardiac function and a higher risk of heart failure.
