title: ADAMTS-18: a metalloproteinase with multiple functions.
abstract: ADAMTS-18 is a member of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family of proteases, which are known to play important roles in development, angiogenesis and coagulation; dysregulation and mutation of these enzymes have been implicated in many disease processes, such as inflammation, cancer, arthritis and atherosclerosis. Mutations of ADAMTS-18 have been linked to abnormal early eye development and reduced bone mineral density. In this review, we briefly summarize the structural organization and the expression of ADAMTS-18. We will also focus on the emerging role of ADAMTS-18 in several pathophysiological conditions which include: hematological diseases, tumorgenesis, osteogenesis, eye-related diseases, central nervous system disorders, and last but not least a research perspective of ADAMTS-18 and its potential as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target.
authors.forename: Jianlu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Chuan-ju
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zongdong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000071096:ADAMTS Proteins; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D051722:ADAM Proteins; D000071096:ADAMTS Proteins; C510099:ADAMTS18 protein, human