ADAMTS15
ADAMTS15 is a matrix-remodeling enzyme that draws attention mainly from cancer biology. It cleaves hyalectan proteoglycans such as versican, and reduced ADAMTS15 expression through promoter methylation has been reported in colorectal and other carcinomas, consistent with an anti-tumorigenic tendency in certain contexts. By contrast, expression within tumor stroma has also been described, illustrating the context-dependent behavior of extracellular ADAMTS enzymes. Transcript detection in fetal tissues and several adult organs suggests additional developmental functions that remain under investigation. Recombinant ADAMTS15 is applied in proteoglycan turnover and tumor microenvironment research. The enzyme carries the canonical array of thrombospondin repeats and a spacer region, and is activated by furin cleavage of its prodomain like other secreted members.
