ADAM33
null ADAM33 earned its place in the family through positional cloning as the first asthma-susceptibility gene identified on chromosome 20p13. The protein is a catalytically active membrane metalloprotease expressed mainly in bronchial smooth muscle, fibroblasts and immune cells of the airway wall, and it undergoes ectodomain shedding that releases soluble forms detectable in biological fluids. Genetic association with airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function has been replicated across populations, implicating ADAM33 in airway remodeling and making it a longstanding target in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research. Alternative splicing generates several isoforms, including soluble secreted variants, and ADAM33 levels are discussed as biomarkers of airway remodeling severity in clinical studies.
