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Direct interaction between the cytoplasmic tail of ADAM 12 and the Src homology 3 domain of p85alpha activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in C2C12 cells.

ADAM 12, a member of the ADAM family of transmembrane metalloprotease-disintegrins, has been implicated previously in the differentiation of skeletal myoblasts. In the present study, we show that the cytoplasmic tail of mouse ADAM 12 interacts in vitro and in vivo with the Src homology 3 domain of the p85alpha regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. By site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified three p85alpha-binding sites in ADAM 12 involving PXXP motifs located at amino acids 825-828, 833-836, and 884-887. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-pleckstrin homology (PH) domain fusion protein as a probe for PI 3-kinase lipid products, we have further demonstrated that expression of ADAM 12 in C2C12 cells resulted in translocation of GFP-PH to the plasma membrane. This suggests that transmembrane ADAM 12, by providing docking sites for the Src homology 3 domain of p85alpha, activates PI 3-kinase by mediating its recruitment to the membrane. Because PI 3-kinase is critical for terminal differentiation of myoblasts, and because expression of ADAM 12 is up-regulated at the onset of the differentiation process, ADAM 12-mediated activation may constitute one of the regulatory mechanisms for PI 3-kinase during myoblast differentiation.

ADAM Proteins↗

ADAM 12 cleaves extracellular matrix proteins and correlates with cancer status and stage.

ADAM 12 is a member of a family of disintegrin-containing metalloproteases that have been implicated in a variety of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and cancer. We purified ADAM 12 from the urine of breast cancer patients via Q-Sepharose anion exchange and gelatin-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Four peptides were identified that spanned the amino acid sequence of ADAM 12. Immunoblot analysis using ADAM 12-specific antibodies detected an approximately 68-kDa band identified as the mature form of ADAM 12. To characterize catalytic properties of ADAM 12, full-length ADAM 12-S was expressed in COS-7 cells and purified. Substrate specificity studies demonstrated that ADAM 12-S degrades gelatin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin but not type I collagen or casein. Gelatinase activity of ADAM 12 was completely abrogated by zinc chelators 1,10-phenanthroline and EDTA and was partially inhibited by the hydroxamate inhibitor Marimastat. Endogenous matrix metalloprotease inhibitor TIMP-3 inhibited activity. To validate our initial identification of this enzyme in human urine, 117 urine samples from breast cancer patients and controls were analyzed by immunoblot. The majority of samples from cancer patients were positive for ADAM 12 (67 of 71, sensitivity 0.94) compared with urine from controls in which ADAM 12 was detected with significantly lower frequency. Densitometric analyses of immunoblots demonstrated that ADAM 12 protein levels were higher in urine from breast cancer patients than in control urine. In addition, median levels of ADAM 12 in urine significantly increased with disease progression. These data demonstrate for the first time that ADAM 12 is a gelatinase, that it can be detected in breast cancer patient urine, and that increased urinary levels of this protein correlate with breast cancer progression. They further support the possibility that detection of urinary ADAM 12 may prove useful in the development of noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tests for breast and perhaps other cancers.

ADAM Proteins↗

The cysteine-rich domain of human ADAM 12 supports cell adhesion through syndecans and triggers signaling events that lead to beta1 integrin-dependent cell spreading.

The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family of proteins is involved in a variety of cellular interactions, including cell adhesion and ecto- domain shedding. Here we show that ADAM 12 binds to cell surface syndecans. Three forms of recombinant ADAM 12 were used in these experiments: the cys-teine-rich domain made in Escherichia coli (rADAM 12-cys), the disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domain made in insect cells (rADAM 12-DC), and full-length human ADAM 12-S tagged with green fluorescent protein made in mammalian cells (rADAM 12-GFP). Mesenchymal cells specifically and in a dose-dependent manner attach to ADAM 12 via members of the syndecan family. After binding to syndecans, mesenchymal cells spread and form focal adhesions and actin stress fibers. Integrin beta1 was responsible for cell spreading because function-blocking monoclonal antibodies completely inhibited cell spreading, and chondroblasts lacking beta1 integrin attached but did not spread. These data suggest that mesenchymal cells use syndecans as the initial receptor for the ADAM 12 cysteine-rich domain-mediated cell adhesion, and then the beta1 integrin to induce cell spreading. Interestingly, carcinoma cells attached but did not spread on ADAM 12. However, spreading could be efficiently induced by the addition of either 1 mM Mn(2+) or the beta1 integrin-activating monoclonal antibody 12G10, suggesting that in these carcinoma cells, the ADAM 12-syndecan complex fails to modulate the function of beta1 integrin.

ADAM Proteins↗

Distinct roles for ADAM10 and ADAM17 in ectodomain shedding of six EGFR ligands.

All ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which has important roles in development and disease, are released from the membrane by proteases. In several instances, ectodomain release is critical for activation of EGFR ligands, highlighting the importance of identifying EGFR ligand sheddases. Here, we uncovered the sheddases for six EGFR ligands using mouse embryonic cells lacking candidate-releasing enzymes (a disintegrin and metalloprotease [ADAM] 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19). ADAM10 emerged as the main sheddase of EGF and betacellulin, and ADAM17 as the major convertase of epiregulin, transforming growth factor alpha, amphiregulin, and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor in these cells. Analysis of adam9/12/15/17-/- knockout mice corroborated the essential role of adam17-/- in activating the EGFR in vivo. This comprehensive evaluation of EGFR ligand shedding in a defined experimental system demonstrates that ADAMs have critical roles in releasing all EGFR ligands tested here. Identification of EGFR ligand sheddases is a crucial step toward understanding the mechanism underlying ectodomain release, and has implications for designing novel inhibitors of EGFR-dependent tumors.

ADAM Proteins↗

Cell-matrix interaction via CD44 is independently regulated by different metalloproteinases activated in response to extracellular Ca(2+) influx and PKC activation.

CD44 is an adhesion molecule that interacts with hyaluronic acid (HA) and undergoes sequential proteolytic cleavages in its ectodomain and intramembranous domain. The ectodomain cleavage is triggered by extracellular Ca(2+) influx or the activation of protein kinase C. Here we show that CD44-mediated cell-matrix adhesion is terminated by two independent ADAM family metalloproteinases, ADAM10 and ADAM17, differentially regulated in response to those stimuli. Ca(2+) influx activates ADAM10 by regulating the association between calmodulin and ADAM10, leading to CD44 ectodomain cleavage. Depletion of ADAM10 strongly inhibits the Ca(2+) influx-induced cell detachment from matrix. On the other hand, phorbol ester stimulation activates ADAM17 through the activation of PKC and small GTPase Rac, inducing proteolysis of CD44. Furthermore, depletion of ADAM10 or ADAM17 markedly suppressed CD44-dependent cancer cell migration on HA, but not on fibronectin. The spatio-temporal regulation of two independent signaling pathways for CD44 cleavage plays a crucial role in cell-matrix interaction and cell migration.

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Gene expression profiling in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity shows abnormalities in several signaling pathways.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine gene expression profiles in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (oral SCC) compared with histologically matched normal tissue. STUDY DESIGN: Fresh-frozen tissue was prospectively obtained from individuals undergoing surgical resections for oral SCC. METHODS: RNA was extracted from seven sets of oral SCC and matched normal tissue. Gene expression profiles were obtained by interrogation of Affymetrix Gene Chip Arrays with cRNA prepared from the tissue. Expression values were subjected to a paired t test. Genes that were judged to differ between oral SCC and normal tissue were annotated according to their name in the Affymetrix Netaffx database and according to their function as indicated by their Gene Ontology Consortium number. RESULTS: Of the 10,599 probe sets that were analyzed, 523 genes were abnormally expressed in SCC of the head and neck (P < or = .01), and 417 of these genes were abnormally expressed in all seven tumors in the same manner. Hierarchical clustering of the 121 genes that were abnormally expressed in cancerous relative to normal tissue (P < or = .001) showed that the tissue segregated into two groups consisting of normal and transformed tissue, as expected. The abnormal expression of two genes that were up regulated in oral SCC (ADAM 12 and PTHLH) and two genes that were down-regulated in SCCHN (EMP-1 and P11) were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (ADAM 12) using additional sets of tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The data showed that oral SCC aberrantly express genes in cellular pathways related to proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation, adhesion, transforming growth factor-beta signaling, and transcription. Further work is needed to determine the role of these genes in the development and progression of oral SCC.

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ADAM-15 inhibits wound healing in human intestinal epithelial cell monolayers.

The disintegrin metalloproteases (or ADAMs) are membrane-anchored glycoproteins that have been implicated in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions and in proteolysis of molecules on the cell surface. The expression and/or the pathophysiological implications of ADAMs are not known in intestinal epithelial cells. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the expression and the role of ADAMs in intestinal epithelial cells. Expression of ADAMs was assessed by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunufluorescence experiments. Wound-healing experiments were performed by using the electric cell substrate impedence sensing technology. Our results showed that ADAMs-10, -12, and -15 mRNA are expressed in the colonic human cell lines Caco2-BBE and HT29-Cl.19A. An ADAM-15 complementary DNA cloned from Caco2-BBE poly(A)+ RNA, and encompassing the entire coding region, was found to be shorter and to present a different region encoding the cytoplasmic tail compared with ADAM-15 sequence deposited in the database. In Caco2-BBE cells and colonic epithelial cells, ADAM-15 protein was found in the apical, basolateral, and intracellular compartments. We also showed that the overexpression of ADAM-15 reduced cell migration in a wound-healing assay in Caco2-BBE monolayers. Our data show that 1) ADAM-15 is expressed in human intestinal epithelia, 2) a new variant of ADAM-15 is expressed in a human intestinal epithelial cell line, and 3) ADAM-15 is involved in intestinal epithelial cells wound-healing processes. Together, these results suggest that ADAM-15 may have important pathophysiological roles in intestinal cells.

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Induction of oxidative stress and disintegrin metalloproteinase in human heart end-stage failure.

Collagen degradation is required for the creation of new integrin binding sites necessary for cell survival. However, a complete separation between the matrix and the cell leads to apoptosis, dilatation, and failure. Previous studies have demonstrated increased metalloproteinase activity in the failing myocardium. To test the hypothesis that disintegrin metalloproteinase (DMP) is induced in human heart end-stage failure, left ventricle tissue from ischemic cardiomyopathic (ICM, n = 10) and dilated cardiomyopathic (DCM, n = 10) human hearts were obtained at the time of orthotopic cardiac transplant. Normal (n = 5) tissue specimens were obtained from unused hearts. The levels of reduced oxygen species (ROS) were 12 +/- 2, 25 +/- 3, and 16 +/- 2 nmol (means +/- SE, P < 0.005) in normal, ICM, and DCM, respectively, by spectrofluorometry. The percent levels of endothelial cells were 100 +/- 15, 35 +/- 19, and 55 +/- 11 in normal, ICM, and DCM, respectively, by CD31 labeling. The levels of nitrotyrosine by Western analysis were significantly increased, and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) by the Griess method was decreased in ICM and DCM compared with normal tissue. The synthesis and degradation of beta(1)-integrin and connexin 43 were significantly increased in ICM and DCM compared with normal hearts by Western analysis. Levels of DMP were increased, and levels of cardiac inhibitor of metalloproteinase (CIMP) were decreased. Aggrecanase activity of DMP was significantly increased in ICM and DCM hearts compared with normal. These results suggest that the occurrence of cardiomyopathy is significantly confounded by the increase in ROS, nitrotyrosine, and DMP activity. This increase is associated with decreased NO, endothelial cell density, and CIMP. In vitro, treatment of CIMP abrogated the DMP activity. The treatment with CIMP may prevent degradation of integrin and connexin and ameliorate heart failure.

ADAM Proteins↗

GABA receptors ameliorate Hcy-mediated integrin shedding and constrictive collagen remodeling in microvascular endothelial cells.

Mammalian endothelial cells are deficient in cystathionine beta synthetase (CBS) activity, which is responsible for homocysteine (Hcy) clearance. This deficiency makes the endothelium the prime target for Hcy toxicity. Hcy induces integrin shedding in microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) by increasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). Hcy competes with inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor. We hypothesized that Hcy transduces MVEC remodeling by increasing metalloproteinase activity and shedding beta-1 integrin by inactivating the GABA-A/B receptors, thus behaving as an excitatory neurotransmitter. MVEC were isolated from mouse brain. The presence of GABA-A receptor was determined by immunolabeling. It was induced by muscimol, an agonist of GABA-A receptor as measured by Western blot analysis. Hcy induced MMP-2 activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner, measured by zymography. GABA-A/B receptors ameliorated the Hcymediated MMP-2 activation. Hcy selectively increased the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-3 but decreased the levels of TIMP-4. Treatment with muscimol decreased the levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 and increased the levels of TIMP-4 to control. Hcy caused a robust increase in the levels of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-12. In the medium of MVEC treated with Hcy, the levels of beta-1 integrin were significantly increased. Treatment with muscimol or baclofen (GABA-B receptor agonist) ameliorated the levels of beta-1 integrin in the medium. These results suggested that Hcy induced ADAM-12. Significantly, Hcy facilitated the beta-1 integrin shedding. Treatment of MVEC with muscimol or baclofen during Hcy administration ameliorated the expression of metalloproteinase, integrin-shedding, and constrictive collagen remodeling, suggesting a role of Hcy in GABA receptor-mediated cerebrovascular remodeling.

ADAM Proteins↗

Syndecans and the lymphoid system.

Syndecans, transmembrane proteoglycans, play an important role in cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, as well as modulators in receptor activation. These functions are partly non-specific and related to the heparan sulfate chains attached to the ectodomain, and partly specific due to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the core protein. In hemopoietic cells syndecan-1 is expressed only in B cells at certain differentiation stages (pre-B and plasma cells). In lymphoproliferative conditions this selective expression is retained in myelomas/plasmacytomas and other lymphoplasmacytic NHL subtypes, and primary effusional lymphomas. It is probably gained in B-CLL, and lost in other NHLs of pre- or post-follicular origin. It is concluded from these empiric results that the expression of syndecan is essential for some NHLs, probably ensuring the required connections to the microenvironment. From a diagnostic point of view, syndecan-1 is a very useful phenotypic marker to indentify cells with plasmacytic differentiation. The importance of syndecan expression in CLL and Hodgkin's lymphoma still requires further studies.

ADAM Proteins↗

TNF-Induced shedding of TNF receptors in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of the 55-kDa TNF receptor and involvement of a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase.

A down-modulation of both the 55-kDa (TNF-R55) and the 75-kDa (TNF-R75) TNF receptors is observed in neutrophils exposed to a variety of stimuli. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular region of both receptors (shedding) and, with TNF, internalization of TNF-R55 and shedding of TNF-R75 are the proposed mechanisms. We have characterized the TNF-induced shedding of TNF receptors in neutrophils and determined the nature of the involved proteinase. Neutrophils exposed to TNF release both TNF receptors. A release of TNF receptors comparable to that observed with TNF was induced with TNF-R55-specific reagents (mAbs and a mutant of TNF) but not with the corresponding TNF-R75-specific reagents. A hydroxamic acid compound (KB8301) almost completely inhibited shedding of TNF-R55 and to a lesser degree shedding of TNF-R75. KB8301 also inhibited FMLP-induced shedding to a similar extent. Shedding was also inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but this effect was considered nonspecific as the compound, at variance with KB8301, almost completely inhibited TNF and FMLP-induced PMN activation. Diisopropylfluorophosphate partially inhibited shedding of TNF-R75, suggesting the contribution of a serine proteinase to the release of this receptor. Shedding activity was not affected by matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors nor was it released in the supernatants of FMLP-stimulated neutrophils. These results suggest that TNF induces release of its receptors, that such a release is mediated via TNF-R55, and that a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase is involved in the process. The possibility that ADAM-17, which we show to be expressed in neutrophils, might be the involved proteinase is discussed.

ADAM Proteins↗

Key metalloproteinases are expressed by specific cell types in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Metalloproteinases (MPs) include matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and metalloproteinase-disintegrins (ADAMs). Their physiological inhibitors are tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MPs are thought to be mediators of cellular infiltration in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We used real-time RT-PCR to profile the expression of all 22 known mouse MMPs, seven ADAMs, and all four known TIMPs in spinal cord from SJL/J mice and mice with adoptively transferred myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific EAE. A significant and >3-fold alteration in expression was observed for MMP-8, MMP-10, MMP-12, ADAM-12, and TIMP-1, which were up-regulated, and for MMP-15, which was down-regulated. Expression levels correlated with disease course, with all but ADAM-12 returning toward control levels in remission. To examine potential cellular sources of these strongly affected proteins in the inflamed CNS, we isolated macrophages, granulocytes, microglia, and T cells by cell sorting from the CNS of mice with EAE and analyzed their expression by real-time RT-PCR. This identified macrophages as a major source of MMP-12 and TIMP-1. Granulocytes were a major source of MMP-8. ADAM-12 was expressed primarily by T cells. Cellular localization of MMP-10, TIMP-1, and ADAM-12 in perivascular infiltrates was confirmed by immunostaining or in situ hybridization. Microglia from control mice expressed strong signal for MMP-15. Strikingly, the expression of MMP-15 by microglia was significantly down-regulated in EAE, which was confirmed by immunostaining. Our study identifies the cellular sources of key MPs in CNS inflammation.

ADAM Proteins↗

Metalloprotease-disintegrin ADAM 12 binds to the SH3 domain of Src and activates Src tyrosine kinase in C2C12 cells.

ADAM 12, a member of the ADAM (protein containing a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family of metalloprotease-disintegrins, has been implicated in the differentiation and fusion of skeletal myoblasts, and its expression is dramatically up-regulated in many cancer cells. While the extracellular portion of ADAM 12 contains an active metalloprotease and a cell-adhesion domain, the function of the cytoplasmic portion is much less clear. In this paper, we show that the cytoplasmic tail of ADAM 12 mediates interactions with the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Src. The interaction is direct, specific, and involves the N-terminal proline-rich region in the cytoplasmic tail of ADAM 12 and the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of Src. ADAM 12 and Src co-immunoprecipitate from transfected C2C12 cells, suggesting that the two proteins form a complex in vivo. Co-expression of Src and ADAM 12, but not ADAM 9, in C2C12 cells results in activation of the recombinant Src. Moreover, endogenous ADAM 12 associates with and activates endogenous Src in differentiating C2C12 cells. These results indicate that ADAM 12 may mediate adhesion-induced signalling during myoblast differentiation.

ADAM Proteins↗

Increased expression and processing of ADAM 12 (meltrin-alpha) in osteolysis associated with aseptic loosening of total hip replacement implants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression and processing of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, ADAM 12 (meltrin-alpha), in the formation of multinuclear cells. Methods. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blotting of interface membrane around loosened total hip replacement implants. Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) costimulation of human monocytes followed by FACS, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and bone resorption assay. RESULTS: ADAM 12 mRNA-containing mononuclear cells were often seen in a close spatial relationship with ADAM 12-positive multinuclear cells. Morphometric analysis of ADAM 12 disclosed that 53% +/- 2% of all interface cells were ADAM 12-positive compared to 5% +/- 1% in controls (p < 0.001). M-CSF and RANKL were richly present in interface tissue around loosening implants. Upon M-CSF and RANKL costimulation of human monocytes in vitro, the ADAM 12 staining pattern changed over time, and ADAM 12-positive cells formed large mono-, bi-, and multinuclear cells at Day 7 and many multinuclear giant cells and/or osteoclasts at Day 14. Western blot disclosed 90 kDa latent ADAM 12L but also the metalloproteinase-cleaved, fusion-active 60 kDa form transiently just before the burst of fusion. CONCLUSION: ADAM 12, well recognized for participation in cell-cell fusion in myoblast formation, is upregulated and processed upon formation of multinuclear giant cells and osteoclasts. It may play a role in formation of giant cells and osteoclasts around loosened total hip replacement implants.

ADAM Proteins↗

Endogenous meltrin alpha is ubiquitously expressed and associated with the plasma membrane but exogenous meltrin alpha is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Meltrin alpha (ADAM12) is a member of the ADAM (MDC) protein family characterized by the presence of metalloprotease and disintegrin domains. ADAM proteins contain single transmembrane domains, and the processed mature proteins are postulated to span the plasma membrane. It has been reported that transfection of a truncated meltrin alpha cDNA lacking the prodomain and metalloprotease domain promotes skeletal muscle cell fusion. We show here that meltrin alpha was constitutively expressed in both undifferentiated and differentiated C2 skeletal muscle cells and also in fibroblasts. Both its precursor and processed mature forms were present in these cells. Thus, meltrin alpha may play general roles in addition to its roles in myogenesis. Since endogenous meltrin alpha cannot be detected by immunofluorescence microscopy, we examined the location of the exogenously expressed protein by transfection. Unexpectedly, the exogenously expressed meltrin alpha was located to a network structure of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but not to the plasma membrane. Cell fractionation revealed that the intrinsic mature protein was associated with the plasma membrane. However, the exogenously expressed protein remained unprocessed. These results seem to imply that the exogenously expressed meltrin alpha is not translocated from the ER to the trans-Golgi network, where a processing enzyme resides, and that it is consequently not converted to the mature form. Thus, the transfected meltrin alpha is unlikely to exert its physiological functions. Conversely, the ER may serve as a reservoir of the latent form of intrinsic meltrin alpha.

ADAM Proteins↗

[Expression of ADAM12 (Meltrin-alpha) gene in giant cell tumor of bone].

OBJECTIVE: To detect expression and location of ADAM12 (meltrin-alpha) gene in giant cell tumor of bone and to study its effect on the formation of multinucleated giant cells in the tumor. METHODS: ADAM12 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization in 18 cases of giant cell tumors, 6 cases of cultured tumor cells, 2 specimens of embryonic muscle tissue and 5 specimens of adult muscle tissue. RESULTS: RT-PCR showed that 12/18 (67%) cases of giant cell tumor of bone expressed ADAM12 mRNA. RNA in situ hybridization demonstrated positive ADAM12 mRNA in 12 cases of the detected tumors. The ADAM 12 mRNA positive signal was localized in the cytoplasm of almost all multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear stromal cells. However, the expression of ADAM12 mRNA decreased gradually, and eventually lost with increased passages of tumor cells and the disappearance of multinucleated giant cells in the culture. CONCLUSION: Multinucleated giant cells probably originated from the fusion of mononuclear stromal cells and ADAM12 may participate in the fusion process.

ADAM Proteins↗

The expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha) in human giant cell tumours of bone.

AIMS: To examine the expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha), a member of the disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family, in human giant cell tumours of the bone, skeletal muscle tissue from human embryos, and human adult skeletal muscle tissue. METHODS: ADAM12 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. RESULTS: ADAM12 mRNA was detected in 14 of the 20 giant cell tumours of bone and in three of the six tumour cell cultures. The expression of ADAM12 in cells cultured from the tumour was linked to the presence of multinucleated giant cells. ADAM12 mRNA could not be detected in the five adult skeletal muscle tissue samples, although it was found in the two embryonic skeletal muscle tissue samples. ADAM12 mRNA was localised to the cytoplasm of multinucleated giant cells and some mononuclear stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that multinucleated giant cells are formed by the cell fusion of mononuclear stromal cells in giant cell tumours of bone and that ADAM12 is involved in the cell fusion process.

ADAM Proteins↗

ADAM12 overexpression does not improve outcome in mice with laminin alpha2-deficient muscular dystrophy.

We have recently shown that overexpression of ADAM12 results in increased muscle regeneration and significantly reduced pathology in mdx, dystrophin deficient mice. In the present study, we tested the effect of overexpressing ADAM12 in dy(W) laminin-deficient mice. dy mice have a very severe clinical phenotype and would be expected to benefit greatly from enhanced regeneration. We found that dy(W) mice overexpressing ADAM12 indeed have increased muscle regeneration, as evidenced by increased numbers of muscle fibers expressing fetal myosin. However, overexpression of ADAM12 had no significant effect on overall health, as evidenced by body weight, and did not improve muscle pathology.

ADAM Proteins↗