This gene encodes a member of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif) family and preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate a mature protein product. This secreted protein product plays an important role in ovulation, likely through its cleavage of the extracellular matrix component versican. The encoded protein may enhance tumorigenesis in a mouse model of breast cancer. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit enhanced perinatal lethality, impaired growth and adipose tissue development, and impaired ovulation in females. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015]