ADAMTS9, a novel member of the ADAM-TS/ metallospondin gene family.

ADAM-TS/metallospondin genes encode a new family of proteins with structural homology to the ADAM metalloprotease-disintegrin family. However, unlike other ADAMs, these proteins contain thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) repeats at the carboxy-terminal end and are secreted proteins instead of being membrane bound. Members of the ADAM-TS family have been implicated in the cleavage of proteoglycans, the control of organ shape during development, and the inhibition of angiogenesis. We have cloned a new member of the ADAM-TS/metallospondin family designated here as ADAMTS9. This protein has a metalloprotease domain, a disintegrin-like domain, one internal TSP1 motif, and three carboxy-terminal TSP1-like submotifs. In contrast to other ADAM-TS family members, ADAMTS9 is expressed in all fetal tissues examined as well as some adult tissues. Using FISH and radiation hybrid analysis, we have localized ADAMTS9 to chromosome 3p14.2-p14.3, an area known to be lost in hereditary renal tumors. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.