Molecular Classification
Enzyme, Metalloprotease, Transmembrane protein, Sheddase
Other Names
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17, TACE
Disease Roles
Cancer (promotes tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis)Inflammation (key role in TNF-alpha release)Neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, via APP shedding)

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 Overview

ADAM10 and ADAM17 are zinc-dependent metalloproteases that function as sheddases, responsible for the proteolytic cleavage (ectodomain shedding) of numerous transmembrane proteins, leading to activation or modulation of growth factor, cytokine, and receptor signaling. ADAM17, also called TACE (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme), is essential for the release of active TNF-alpha and several epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, impacting cell proliferation, survival, and inflammation. ADAM10 similarly regulates Notch and ephrin signaling pathways and is involved in neural development. Both proteins share structural homology but regulate distinct and overlapping substrate repertoires, are tightly regulated at the cell surface, and are implicated in cancer, inflammatory disorders, neurodegeneration, and viral pathogenesis (notably by enhancing SARS-CoV-2 entry and syncytia formation). Therapeutic targeting of ADAM10/ADAM17 presents challenges due to their ubiquitous expression, vital developmental roles, and broad substrate specificity.

Mechanism of Action

Direct inhibition of catalytic activity (small molecules, biologicals, or endogenous inhibitors bind the metalloprotease domain and block substrate cleavage) Modulation of substrate recognition or maturation (interference with regulatory partners or prodomain)

Biological Functions

Ectodomain shedding of transmembrane proteins
Signal transduction (activation of growth factor, cytokine, and receptor signaling)
Regulation of immune response and inflammation
Cell development and differentiation
Cell adhesion, migration, and tissue remodeling

Disease Associations

Cancer (promotes tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis)
Inflammation (key role in TNF-alpha release)
Neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, via APP shedding)
Cardiovascular disease (vascular remodeling, restenosis)
Infection (notably, enhances SARS-CoV-2 cell entry)
Renal disease

Safety Considerations

  • Off-target effects due to broad substrate specificity
  • Impaired tissue regeneration or immune defense when inhibited chronically
  • Potential developmental toxicity (embryonic lethality in knockout mice)

Interacting Drugs

TMI-005 (aprastat): ADAM17 inhibitor (investigational)
GW280264X: dual ADAM10/ADAM17 inhibitor (research only)
TIMP-3: endogenous inhibitor

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Elevated ADAM17/ADAM10 expression in tumor or inflamed tissues as disease markers
Shedding rates of EGFR ligands, TNF-alpha, Notch, or other substrates