The importance of shedding of membrane proteins for cytokine biology.

摘要: Most transmembrane proteins are subjected to limited proteolysis by cellular proteases. The recent molecular cloning of the TNF-a converting enzyme (TACE) revealed that this shedding belongs a family metalloproteinases which contain disintegrin domain (ADAM family). activity these proteases seems be tightly regulated. Mice lacking functional TACE not viable demonstrating importance for body homeostasis. This review describes current knowledge enzymes, ADAM protein family, mechanism as well physiological consequences cytokines and cytokine receptors biology.