Therapeutic Benefits from Targeting of ADAM Family Members

Members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family of proteolytic enzymes are implicated in the processing of many single transmembrane-bound proteins ranging from cell surface receptors to growth factors and cytokines. Because of the biological significance of these processing events, a recurring theme in studying ADAM biology is that they are involved in physiological processes that can go awry and lead to disease states. This review provides a comprehensive look at ADAM family members and their role in pathology and provides a pathway for determining whether an enzyme is a physiological convertase for a given protein. In addition, ADAMs are discussed as potential therapeutic targets.