A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are a recently discovered family of proteins
that share the metalloproteinase domain with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Among this
family, structural features distinguish the membrane-anchored ADAMs and the secreted
ADAMs with thrombospondin motifs referred to as ADAMTSs. By acting on a large panel of
membrane-associated and extracellular substrates, they control several cell functions such
as adhesion, fusion, migration and proliferation. The current review addresses the …