Function
ADAMTS5 is a metalloproteinase that plays a crucial role in connective tissue organization, development, inflammation, and cell migration. It acts as an extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading enzyme, exhibiting proteolytic activity towards the hyalectan group of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) including ACAN, VCAN, BCAN, and NCAN. Cleavage within these hyalectans occurs at Glu-Xaa recognition motifs. ADAMTS5 is involved in embryonic development, including limb and cardiac morphogenesis, and skeletal muscle development through its VCAN remodeling properties. It cleaves VCAN in the pericellular matrix surrounding myoblasts, facilitating myoblast contact and fusion, essential for skeletal muscle development and regeneration. ADAMTS5 also participates in the development of brown adipose tissue and browning of white adipose tissue. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in T-lymphocyte migration from draining lymph nodes following viral infection.