ADAM8

ADAM8 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 8) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ADAM8 gene. This protein belongs to the ADAM family, which is involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, including cell adhesion and ectodomain shedding.

Function

ADAM8 is a membrane-bound protein that has both protease and adhesion functions. It is involved in the shedding of cell surface proteins, and in cell adhesion and migration. It is also implicated in inflammation, arthritis, and cancer metastasis.

Structure

The ADAM8 protein is composed of several domains: a prodomain, a metalloprotease domain, a disintegrin domain, a cysteine-rich domain, an EGF-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. The metalloprotease domain is responsible for the protein's proteolytic activity, while the disintegrin and cysteine-rich domains are involved in cell adhesion.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of ADAM8 have been associated with several diseases. Overexpression of ADAM8 has been observed in various types of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, and is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, ADAM8 has been implicated in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

See also

• ADAM
• Metalloproteinase
• Disintegrin