Description
ADAM proteins are a family of membrane-anchored cell surface protein containing both a disintegrin and a metalloprotease domain. Their exact functions have not been fully characterised however, they are thought to mediate a number of cellular processes including differentiation, cell fusion, cell-cell interactions and shedding of plasma membrane bound growth factor precursors. Two forms of ADAM12 have been described: ADAM12S and ADAM12L (short and long forms). The short form (ADAM12S) is a soluble form, which lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. ADAM12S expression is thought to be limited to the placenta, embryo and foetus although levels have been detected in some tumour cell lines