ADAMTS2

ADAMTS2 Full Name

ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 2

ADAMTS2 Introduction

ADAMTS2 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs 2) is a secreted zinc‑dependent metalloprotease belonging to the ADAMTS family. It is widely recognized as procollagen I N‑proteinase, a key enzyme dedicated to extracellular matrix (ECM) maturation and connective tissue integrity. Encoded by the ADAMTS2 gene on human chromosome 5q35.3, this protein undergoes proteolytic processing to yield its catalytically active mature form. ADAMTS2 is highly expressed in collagen‑rich tissues including skin, bone, tendon, and aorta, underpinning its essential role in structural tissue development and maintenance.

Figure 1.ADAMTS2 promotes radial migration by activating TGF-β signaling in the developing neocortex.

Structural Domains of ADAMTS2
ADAMTS2 exhibits a conserved modular architecture typical of the ADAMTS family. Key domains include a signal peptide for secretion, a propeptide region that maintains zymogen latency, a catalytic metalloproteinase domain containing the zinc‑binding active site, a disintegrin‑like module, a central thrombospondin type 1 (TSR) motif, and a C‑terminal domain array with additional TSR repeats. These domains cooperatively mediate substrate recognition, extracellular matrix localization, and catalytic function. The precise domain arrangement enables selective cleavage of fibrillar procollagens while avoiding non‑specific proteolysis.

Role in Cancer and Emerging Therapeutic Implications
ADAMDEC1 has been increasingly recognized as a player in cancer biology, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC) and other malignancies. Studies have demonstrated that the expression levels of ADAMDEC1 are significantly upregulated in CRC tissue compared to adjacent control tissues, and these levels correlate with the presence of lymphovascular invasion. ADAMDEC1 promotes cervical squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. It has also been identified as a positive regulator of epithelial defense against cancer (EDAC) that promotes apical extrusion of transformed cells.

Alternate Names for ADAMTS2

ADAMTS2; ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 2; NPI; PNPI; PCINP; PCPNI; PCI-NP; PC I-NP; ADAM-TS2; ADAMTS-2