ADAM17

ADAM17: A Key Enzyme in Cell Signaling and Disease

Description:

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), also known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) converting enzyme (TACE), is a membrane-bound protein that plays a crucial role in cell signaling and development. ADAM17 belongs to the ADAM family of proteins, which are involved in the proteolytic cleavage of various substrates, including cytokines, growth factors, and cell adhesion molecules.

Function:

ADAM17 is primarily responsible for the proteolytic shedding of membrane-bound proteins, releasing them into the extracellular space. This process is essential for the activation of several key signaling pathways involved in cellular processes such as inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation, and differentiation.

Associated Diseases:

Dysregulation of ADAM17 activity has been linked to various diseases, including:

• Inflammatory diseases: ADAM17 is involved in the shedding of cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which play a role in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cancer: ADAM17 can promote tumor growth and metastasis by shedding pro-tumorigenic proteins and activating growth factor signaling pathways. It is implicated in several types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: ADAM17 is involved in the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is associated with Alzheimer‘s disease.

Did you Know ?

According to a study published in the journal Nature, ADAM17 deficiency in mice leads to a 90% reduction in TNF-α production, highlighting the critical role of this enzyme in inflammatory signaling.