Adamts8 - a disintegrin-like and metallopeptidase (reprolysin type) with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 8

This gene encodes a member of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs" (ADAMTS) family of multi-domain matrix-associated metalloendopeptidases that have diverse roles in tissue morphogenesis and pathophysiological remodeling, in inflammation and in vascular biology. This gene is expressed in mouse lung, heart and macrophage-rich areas of atherosclerotic plaques. The encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate an active, zinc-dependent aggrecanase enzyme. This gene is located adjacent to a related ADAMTS gene on chromosome 9. [provided by RefSeq, May 2016]