Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 2 (ADAM2)

Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 2 (ADAM2), also known as Beta-fertilin, is a member of the ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase) family of membrane-anchored glycoproteins. ADAM2 is prominently expressed in testicular tissue and plays a key role in male reproduction in many mammals by mediating sperm-egg adhesion and membrane fusion events required for fertilization[2][3][4]. It forms heterodimeric complexes (e.g., fertilin) with other ADAM family members (such as ADAM1/alpha-fertilin) and is essential for proper sperm function and migration through the female reproductive tract in animal models[2]. In mice, disruption of ADAM2 leads to infertility, establishing its necessity for reproduction in these species[2]. In humans, ADAM2 is present in testis but appears to be minimally or not at all expressed on mature sperm, suggesting that its reproductive function may have diverged in primates[2]. ADAM2 belongs to the metzincin clan of metalloproteinases but is typically a non-catalytic member in humans, retaining instead a prominent disintegrin domain involved in cell-cell recognition, particularly binding sperm to egg integrins[4][3]. Some isoforms have been identified as cancer/testis antigens, giving them potential biomarker utility[4]. There are no known drugs that target ADAM2, and it is not currently considered a therapeutic target for small molecules or biologics.

Other names

Beta-fertilinFertilin subunit betaPH-30PH30-betaCancer/testis antigen 15FTNBCT15CRYN1CRYN2PH-30b