ADAMTS proteinases: potential therapeutic targets?

Abstract

ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) proteinases have been implicated in a number of connective tissue pathologies including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VII C, Weill-Marchesani syndrome, encephalomyelitis, and arthritis. These proteinases therefore represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of such conditions. The synthesis and activity of ADAMTS proteinases is regulated at multiple levels: transcription, RNA splicing, translation, proteolytic processing, cofactor stimulation and inhibition, each of which represents a possible point of therapeutic intervention. Recent research suggests that, in addition to the direct inhibition of ADAMTS proteinases with low molecular weight non-peptidic inhibitors, targeting the transcription and protein processing of these enzymes could be effective therapeutic approaches.

• Authors: Gavin C Jones
• Journal: Current pharmaceutical biotechnology (Curr Pharm Biotechnol) Vol. 7 Issue 1 Pg. 25-31 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 1389-2010 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16472131 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Protease Inhibitors
• ADAM Proteins

Topics

• ADAM Proteins (antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, genetics)
• Animals
• Connective Tissue Diseases (drug therapy, enzymology)
• Humans
• Protease Inhibitors (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Protein Processing, Post-Translational
• Transcription, Genetic