Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 18 (ADAM18)

Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 18 (ADAM18) is a membrane-anchored, sperm surface protein that belongs to the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family, which are structurally related to snake venom disintegrins and regulate cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions[2][5][7]. Unlike many ADAM family members, ADAM18 lacks critical residues in the catalytic site and is considered a non-catalytic or proteolytically inactive metalloproteinase[1][7]. Its biological role appears to be primarily in the reproductive system—specifically, sperm function and possibly spermatogenesis and fertilization—through mediating cell adhesion rather than proteolysis[2][7]. There is no current evidence of ADAM18 serving as a drug target or biomarker in disease, and its clinical significance is limited mainly to potential roles in reproductive biology.

Other names

TMDC3ADAM 18ADAM27tMDC IIItMDCIIITransmembrane metalloproteinase-like, disintegrin-like, and cysteine-rich protein IIIUNQ858/PRO1867