| 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. ADAM1-6 localize to the testis, are developmentally regulated and are involved in spermatogenesis and sperm-egg binding and fusion. ADAM5 is expressed on the sperm surface. The ADAM5 precursor originates in the testis and is processed during epididymal maturation. Evidence suggests that ADAM5 plays a critical role in fertilization through a significant expressional relationship with ADAM 2 and 3. |