A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 8 (ADAM8)

ADAM8 is expressed in macrophages, granulocytes, monocytes and B cells. It is an osteoclast stimulating factor. ADAM8 may play a role in neuron-glia interactions during neurodegeneration. It may also mediate extravasation of leukocytes either by degrading the vascular basement membrane or by liberating active molecules from their precursors harbored in the cell surface of leukocytes and endothelial cells.

Human ADAM8 precursor consists of 824 amino acid (aa) residues consisting of a 16 aa signal peptide, a 637 aa ectodomain including pro-, metalloprotease, disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich regions, a 25 aa transmembrane domain, and a 146 aa cytoplasmic domain). ADAM8 naturally occurs as both a membrane and a soluble form.