Rat A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) Protein

Background

ADAM17, also known as ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), is a member of the ADAM family of proteins. Like other ADAM proteins, it possesses a complex domain structure with distinct functional regions, including a metalloproteinase domain responsible for its proteolytic activity.ADAM17 is a transmembrane protein. Consists of several domains, including a metalloproteinase domain, a disintegrin domain, a cysteine-rich domain, an EGF-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. Is responsible for the cleavage and release of various membrane-bound proteins, including cytokines, growth factors, receptors, and adhesion molecules. One of its most well-known substrates is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).ADAM17 cleaves the membrane-bound precursor form of TNF-α to release its soluble form into the extracellular space. Soluble TNF-α can then bind to its receptors on target cells, initiating signaling cascades involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and immune responses.ADAM17 also sheds and regulates the activity of other important proteins, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α), and Notch receptor. Dysregulation of ADAM17 activity has been implicated in various diseases, including inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, increased ADAM17 activity and elevated levels of its substrates, such as TNF-α, have been observed in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers. Given its central role in inflammation and disease pathogenesis, ADAM17 is considered a promising therapeutic target