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An update on the role of ADAMTS proteoglycanase in female reproductive system

LI Meng-Die^1,2, SUN Kang^1,2, WANG Wang-Sheng^1,2,*

¹ Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China；² Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China

Abstract

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) represent a diverse family of secreted metalloproteinases, comprising 19 distinct members categorized into five groups based on their substrate specificity: proteoglycanases, procollagen N-peptidases, von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, cartilage oligomeric matrix proteases and other proteases. Among these, ADAMTS proteoglycanases predominantly target hyalectans, pivotal components in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammation. Dysfunction of ADAMTS proteoglycanases disrupts the structure and function of hyalectans, thereby perturbing ECM homeostasis, resulting in reproduction disorders, including abnormal follicular development, ovulation dysfunction, impaired implantation, placentation and preterm labor. Hence, investigation of the role of ADAMTS proteoglycanases offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological or pathological processes within the female reproductive system, thereby paving the way for innovative strategies in predicting, preventing and treating reproductive system diseases. This review summarizes the recent research advances in the structure and regulation of ADAMTS proteoglycanases and their role in female reproductive system.

Key words: ADAMTS; ovulation dysfunction; implantation; preterm birth; female reproductive system

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 汪旺生　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2025.0006

Citing This Article：

LI Meng-Die, SUN Kang, WANG Wang-Sheng. An update on the role of ADAMTS proteoglycanase in female reproductive system. Acta Physiol Sin 2025; 77 (1): 151-166 (in Chinese with English abstract).