A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) represent a diverse family of secreted metalloproteinases, comprising 19 distinct members categorized into five groups based on their substrate specificity: proteoglycanases, procollagen N-peptidases, von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, cartilage oligomeric matrix proteases and other proteases. Among these, ADAMTS proteoglycanases predominantly target hyalectans, pivotal components in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammation. Dysfunction of ADAMTS proteoglycanases disrupts the structure and function of hyalectans, thereby perturbing ECM homeostasis, resulting in reproduction disorders, including abnormal follicular development, ovulation dysfunction, impaired implantation, placentation and preterm labor. Hence, investigation of the role of ADAMTS proteoglycanases offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological or pathological processes within the female reproductive system, thereby paving the way for innovative strategies in predicting, preventing and treating reproductive system diseases. This review summarizes the recent research advances in the structure and regulation of ADAMTS proteoglycanases and their role in female reproductive system.
Humans ; Female ; ADAMTS Proteins/physiology* ; ADAM Proteins/physiology* ; Pregnancy ; Animals ; Genitalia, Female/enzymology* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 9, 15 and 17 on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). METHODS: BMMSCs of ADAM9, ADAM15, ADAM17 conditional knockout mice and wild type mice (WT) were induced and cultured. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by colorimetry, early osteogenic transcription factors Runx and Osterix were detected by Real-time PCR, and mineral formation was analyzed by alizarin red staining. RESULTS: ALP activity was lower in ADAM9 group (8.08±0.34), ADAM15 group (6.46±3.40), ADAM17 group (9.30±2.30) than that in WT group (9.44±2.50), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Stimulated with bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2),there was significant difference (P<0.05) between ADAM9 group (14.22±3.25), ADAM15 group (10.14±2.40) and WT group (20.89±3.40), and ADAM 17 group (23.56±2.50) was higher than WT group (20.89±3.40), but no significant difference (P>0.05). Similarly, cultured by osteogenic induction medium (OST), compared with WT group (12.97±1.30), ADAM9 group (9.63±1.00) and ADAM15 group (7.75±1.30) were lower, ADAM17 group (20.09±1.68) was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Using stimulated culture by BMP2 and OST combined, ADAM9 group (15.75±1.30), ADAM 15 group (12.43±1.30) were less than WT group (26.15 ±1.50), while ADAM17 group (29.55±2.10) was higher than WT group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression of Runx2 in ADAM9 group (2.02±0.24), ADAM15 group (3.09±0.19), ADAM17 group (3.89±0.91) had no significant difference compared with WT (2.02±0.21) group (P>0.05). ADAM9 group stimulated by BMP2 (7.00±0.23), ADAM15 group (6.04±0.23) were lower than WT group (12.6±0.23), ADAM17 group (18.52±1.39) was higher than WT group (12.6±0.23), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In non-stimulating culture, there was no significant difference in Osterix expression between ADAM9 group (9.60±3.87), ADAM17 group (12.40±3.00) and WT group (10.9±1.10, P>0.05), but in ADAM15 group (6.50±1.51) it was slightly lower than that in WT group (P<0.05). After BMP2 stimulation, ADAM9 group (39.20±3.23) and ADAM15 group (20.50±4.80) were less than WT group (60.30±5.93), while ADAM17 group (80.20±3.30) was higher than WT group (P<0.05). Alizarin red staining showed no obvious orange-red mass in the non-induction group. Local calcified nodules could be seen in the BMP2, OST, OST + BMP2 induction culture conditions in all the experimental groups, but there was no significant difference in quantitative analysis (P>0.05). CONCLUSION ADAM9, 15, 17 took part in the osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs, and provided new targets for its regulation.
ADAM Proteins/physiology* ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Integrins ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology* ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Osteogenesis

OBJECTIVEAlthough chondroprotective activities have been documented for polysaccharides, the potential target of different polysaccharide may differ. The study was aimed to explore the effect of glucan HBP-A in chondrocyte monolayer culture and chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs in vivo, especially on the expression of type II collagen.

METHODSChondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were cultured and verified by immunocytochemical staining of type II collagen. Chondrocyte viability was assessed after being treated with HBP-A in different concentrations. Morphological status of chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs in vitro was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The constructs were treated with HBP-A and then injected to nude mice subcutaneously. Six weeks after transplantation, the specimens were observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mRNA expressions of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTs-5), aggrecan and type II collagen in both monolayer culture and constructs were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of type II collagen and matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) in chondrocyte monolayer culture was also tested through Western blot and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

RESULTSMMP-3 secretion and ADAMTs-5 mRNA expression in vitro were inhibited by HBP-A at 0.3 mg/mL concentration. In morphological study, there were significant appearance of collagen in those constructs treated by HBP-A. Accordingly, in both chondrocyte monolayer culture and chondrocytes-alginate hydrogel constructs, the expression of type II collagen was increased significantly in HBP-A group when compared with control group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThe study documented that the potential pharmacological target of glucan HBP-A in chondrocytes monolayer culture and tissue engineered cartilage in vivo may be concerned with the inhibition of catabolic enzymes MMP-3, ADAMTs-5, and increasing of type II collagen expression.

ADAM Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Aggrecans ; genetics ; metabolism ; Alginates ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cartilage, Articular ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Shape ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Collagen Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Glucans ; pharmacology ; Glucuronic Acid ; pharmacology ; Hexuronic Acids ; pharmacology ; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 ; metabolism ; Mice, Nude ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

BACKGROUNDKeshan disease (KD) is an endemic cardiomyopathy in China. The etiology of KD is still under debate and there is no effective approach to preventing and curing this disease. Young women of child-bearing age are the most frequent victims in rural areas. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between molecular pathogenic mechanisms in male and female KD sufferers.

METHODSWe extracted RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of KD patients (12 women and 4 men) and controls (12 women and 4 men). Then the isolated RNA was amplified, labeled and hybridized to Agilent human 4×44k whole genome microarrays. Gene expression was examined using oligonucleotide microarray analysis. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was also performed to validate our microarray results.

RESULTSAmong the genes differentially expressed in female KD patients we identified: HLA-DOA, HLA-DRA, and HLA-DQA1 associated with spontaneous autoimmunity; BMP5 and BMP7, involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation defect; and ADAMTS 8, CCL23, and TNFSF15, implicated in anti-angiogenic activities. These genes are involved in the canonical pathways and networks recognized for the female KD sufferers and might be related to the pathogenic mechanism of KD.

CONCLUSIONOur results might help to explain the higher susceptibility of women to this disease.

ADAM Proteins ; genetics ; ADAMTS Proteins ; Adult ; Autoimmunity ; genetics ; physiology ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 5 ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ; genetics ; Cardiomyopathies ; genetics ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; genetics ; physiology ; Chemokines, CC ; genetics ; Enterovirus Infections ; genetics ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; HLA-D Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DQ alpha-Chains ; genetics ; HLA-DR alpha-Chains ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Sex Factors ; Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 15 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the main proteinases responsible for CD16b shedding under different stimulators.

METHODSHEK293 cell line stably expressing CD16b was constructed by lentivirus system. The cell line was then overexpressed with a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) or ADAM17, suppressed with short hairpin RNA of ADAM10 or ADAM17, and reconstituted with ADAM10 or ADAM17, respectively. After each treatment, the cell line was stimulated with ionomycin or phorbol 12-myristate- 13-acetate (PMA) for 12 hours. The soluble CD16b released from cell membrane was detected by immunoprecipition and immunoblot. Quantitation was then implemented to compare the amount of soluble CD16b in cell supernatant after stimulation.

RESULTSHEK293 cell line stably expressing CD16b was successfully established. When CD16b expressing cell line was overexpressed with ADAM10, shedding of CD16b was increased after stimulation with ionomycin but not PMA; when the cell line overexpressed with ADAM17, shedding of CD16b was increased after stimulation with PMA but not ionomycin. Similarly, when ADAM10 was suppressed by short hairpin RNA, CD16b shedding was decreased after stimulation with ionomycin; when ADAM17 was suppressed by short hairpin RNA, CD16b shedding was decreased after stimulation with PMA. The shedding of CD16b was increased again when CD16b expressing cell line was reconstituted with ADAM10 and stimulated by ionomycin or reconstituted with ADAM17 and stimulated by PMA.

CONCLUSIONSBoth ADAM10 and ADAM17 could shed CD16b, but they possess differed preferences. ADAM10 is the main sheddase under stimulation of ionomycin, while ADAM17 is the main sheddase under stimulation of PMA.

ADAM Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; ADAM10 Protein ; ADAM17 Protein ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Calcium Ionophores ; pharmacology ; Carcinogens ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; metabolism ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Ionomycin ; pharmacology ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; drug effects ; Protein Transport ; drug effects ; Proteolysis ; drug effects ; Receptors, IgG ; metabolism ; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate ; pharmacology ; Transfection

BACKGROUNDThere is a difficulty in evaluating the in vivo functionality of individual chondrocytes, and there is much heterogeneity among cartilage affected by osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, in vitro cultured chondrocytes harvested from varying stages of degeneration were studied as a projective model to further understand the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

METHODSCartilage of varying degeneration of end-stage OA was harvested, while cell yield and matrix glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were measured. Cell morphology, proliferation, and gene expression of collagen type I, II, and X, aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and ADAMTS5 of the acquired chondrocytes were measured during subsequent in vitro culture.

RESULTSBoth the number of cells and the GAG content increased with increasing severity of OA. Cell spreading area increased and gradually showed spindle-like morphology during in vitro culture. Gene expression of collagen type II, collagen type X as well as GAG decreased with severity of cartilage degeneration, while expression of collagen type I increased. Expression of MMP-13 increased with severity of cartilage degeneration, while expression of ADAMTS-5 remained stable. Expression of collagen type II, X, GAG, and MMP-13 substantially decreased with in vitro culture. Expression of collagen type I increased with in vitro cultures, while expression of ADAMTS 5 remained stable.

CONCLUSIONSExpression of functional genes such as collagen type II and GAG decreased during severe degeneration of OA cartilage and in vitro dedifferentiation. Gene expression of collagen I and MMP-13 increased with severity of cartilage degeneration.

ADAM Proteins ; ADAMTS5 Protein ; Cartilage ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; genetics ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; metabolism ; Collagen Type II ; genetics ; Collagen Type X ; genetics ; Glycosaminoglycans ; metabolism ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 ; genetics ; Osteoarthritis ; genetics ; pathology

BACKGROUNDIt has been found that cardiac protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is significantly reduced in the senescent myocardium. ADAMTS-1 (a disintesrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-associated differences in ADAMTS-1 protein expression in rat myocardium after ischemic preconditioning.

METHODSSixty-four young (4 months) and old (24 months) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an IPC group (40 rats) or a sham group (rats). A model of delayed IPC was induced and rats were sacrificed and myocardial samples were harvested from the ischemic-reperfused region for immunohistochemical detection of ADAMTS-1 at serial time points after IPC. A model of myocardial infarction was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in additional sets of young and old rats after sham or IPC procedures, then age-associated myocardial infarction survival after IPC was calculated.

RESULTSADAMTS-1 expression increased significantly in old rats compared to young rats (P < 0.05). The mean densities of ADAMTS-1 protein at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours in young-IPC group after IPC were 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.04, and 0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.20 ± 0.03, 0.24 ± 0.05, and 0.21 ± 0.04 in old-IPC group. IPC resulted in diminished survival rates (5/35 vs. 6/14, old-IPC group vs. old-sham group, P < 0.05), reduced left ventricular fractional shortening ((13.9 ± 2.8)% vs. (18.3 ± 2.3)%, P < 0.05) and increased the myocardial infarction size ((37.9 ± 3.2)% vs. (32.8 ± 5.1)%, P < 0.05) in the older rats.

CONCLUSIONSCardioprotection with IPC is attenuated in the older heart. ADAMTS-1 expression induced by IPC is greater in old rats. Over-expression of anti-angiogenic factors might be a potential mechanism behind reduced protection after IPC associated with aging.

ADAM Proteins ; metabolism ; ADAMTS1 Protein ; Aging ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; pathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The present study examined von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels and ADAMTS13 activity in pregnant and severe preeclamptic women in order to shed light on the prothrombotic state in severe preeclampsia. Thirty healthy women of childbearing age, 22 second trimester pregnant women, 30 third trimester pregnant women and 10 severe preeclamptic patients were recruited in this study. ADAMTS13 activity was determined by the FRETS-vWF73 assay and vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in plasma vWF antigen levels between the severe preeclamptic and third trimester pregnant women, between third and second trimester pregnant women (P<0.05). The third trimester pregnant women had significantly lower plasma ADAMTS13 activity than second trimester pregnant women (P<0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences in plasma ADAMTS13 activity were found between severe preeclamptic patients and the third trimester pregnant women (P>0.05). In conclusion, plasma ADAMTS13 activity is normal in severe preeclampsia despite the increased vWF:Ag levels. Prothrombotic state is involved in the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia, as a result of endothelial injury.
ADAM Proteins ; blood ; metabolism ; ADAMTS13 Protein ; Adult ; Blood Coagulation ; physiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Pre-Eclampsia ; blood ; enzymology ; physiopathology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Young Adult ; von Willebrand Factor ; metabolism

Vascular remodeling is being recognized as a fundamental process during atherosclerosis and restenosis. Cumulative studies have demonstrated that extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzymes play a critical role during vascular remodeling. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family is a recently identified metalloproteinase family which also has capacity to degrade ECM. ADAMTS family consists of 19 members and has been linked to a variety of physiological processes including development, angiogenesis, coagulation etc. Aberrant expression or function of ADAMTS members have been implicated to many disease states such as arthritis, cancer, thrombocytopenic purpura, but barely described with regard to cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes the recent advance with respect to the role of ADAMTS-7 in vascular remodeling. We review the structure, tissue distribution, substrate, expression and regulation of ADAMTS-7, especially highlight the fine tune by ADAMTS-7 of its substrate cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in maintaining vascular homeostasis. By use of rat carotid artery balloon injury model to mimic vascular injury in vivo, we found that ADAMTS-7 protein was accumulated preferentially in neointima and mainly localized in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Adenovirus-elicited ADAMTS-7 overexpression greatly accelerated VSMCs migration and proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, and subsequently aggravated neointima thickening post-injury. Conversely, siRNA-mediated ADAMTS-7 knock down bona fide inhibited VSMCs migration and proliferation in cultured VSMCs and injured arteries, and ultimately ameliorated neointima area. Further studies demonstrated that ADAMTS-7 facilitated VSMCs migration through degradation of its substrate COMP. Moreover, we elucidated that COMP has the capacity to maintain the contractile phenotype of VSMCs through interacting with integrin alpha7beta1. ADAMTS-7 may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis.
ADAM Proteins ; physiology ; ADAMTS7 Protein ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; physiopathology ; Carotid Artery Injuries ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Glycoproteins ; physiology ; Humans ; Matrilin Proteins ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Tunica Intima ; metabolism ; pathology

The ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family consists of 19 proteases. These enzymes are known to play important roles in development, angiogenesis and coagulation; dysregulation and mutation of these enzymes have been implicated in many disease processes, such as inflammation, cancer, arthritis and atherosclerosis. This review briefly summarizes the structural organization and functional roles of ADAMTSs in normal and pathological conditions, focusing on members that are known to be involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix and loss of cartilage in arthritis, including the aggrecanases (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5), ADAMTS-7 and ADAMTS-12, the latter two are associated with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a component of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). We will discuss the expression pattern and the regulation of these metalloproteinases at multiple levels, including their interaction with substrates, induction by pro-inflammatory cytokines, protein processing, inhibition (e.g., TIMP-3, alpha-2-macroglobulin, GEP), and activation (e.g., syndecan-4, PACE-4).
ADAM Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiology ; Aggrecans ; metabolism ; Alternative Splicing ; Arthritis ; enzymology ; genetics ; Cartilage ; enzymology ; Endopeptidases ; genetics ; physiology ; Extracellular Matrix ; enzymology ; Humans ; Protein Structure, Tertiary