| Modification Notes |
ADAMs (disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain), also known as MDCs (metalloproteinase, disintegrin, and cysteine-rich domain) or cellular disintegrins are a family of proteins that are ubiquitously expressed. They catalyze proteolysis, adhesion, fusion and intracellular signaling. ADAMs are membrane-anchored, glycosylated, Zn2+ dependent proteases, and there are over 30 different members in the family with many diverse functions. ADAMs 1-6 localize to the testis and are developmentally regulated. ADAMs 1-6 are involved in spermatogenesis and sperm-egg binding and fusion. ADAM6 is exclusively expressed in the germ cells of the testis. Evidence has shown that peptides targeting the disintegrin domain of ADAM6 do not disturb spermatogenic cell attachment to Sertoli cell surfaces. |