ADAM proteins in the brain

ADAM proteins are a family of metalloproteinases with a disintegrin domain. They have proteolytic as well as adhesive functions and can be involved in cell fusion events. Some ADAM proteins are expressed in a highly tissue restricted fashion, whereas others are expressed quite ubiquitously. In the brain, ADAM proteins have a role in neural development, axon guidance and inflammatory responses. Although there may be some functional overlap, homozygous deletion of some ADAM genes in mice can have fatal consequences. The expression and possible role of ADAM proteins in the brain will be discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.