ADAMTS ‐4 in central nervous system pathologies

Abstract ADAMTS‐4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs type 4) is a metalloproteinase specialized in the degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, contributing to cartilage breakdown during arthritis. In this review, we first focus on the modifications of ADAMTS‐4 expression during CNS physiological and pathological conditions, including chronic diseases and injuries. Then, we discuss the contributions of ADAMTS‐4 to mechanisms mediating neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during spinal cord injury, ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we provide an overview of ADAMTS‐4 functions and effects in the CNS, and we discuss directions for future studies and treatments. Overall, this review highlights that ADAMTS‐4 is a unique multifaceted metalloproteinase which influences various CNS disease pathophysiologies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research