ADAM, a widely distributed and developmentally regulated gene family encoding membrane proteins with A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease domain
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to examine the process of cloning, sequencing and characterization of mouse fertilin alpha and beta and other proteins involved in sperm-egg binding and fusion in guinea pig sperms. RNA encoding of these proteins, also called as ADAM or A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease, was expressed only in spermatogenic cells, while PCR analysis revealed that these ADAMs exhibit different patterns of tissue distribution. Some ADAMs exhibited binding affinities for integrins, while others sequences that can be used in membrane fusion. These suggest that ADAm is a widely expressed gene which can perform several functions.
Publication Name: Developmental Biology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0012-1606
Year: 1995
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ADAMs in fertilization and development
Article Abstract:
ADAMs are a large family of membrane proteins that have adhesive and antiadhesive functions in their extracellular matrix. The known ADAMs have the same domain organization: a fusion domain, proteolytic domain, adhesion domain, and signaling domain. However, not all ADAMs manifest the functions of these domains. ADAMs 1, 2, and 3 are involved in fertilization, whereas ADAMs 1, 4, 9, 10, and 12 are involved in development. Further studies are in order to determine whether other members of the ADAM family also play roles in fertilization and development.
Publication Name: Developmental Biology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0012-1606
Year: 1996
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Molecular mechanisms of sperm-egg membrane binding and fusion in mammals
Article Abstract:
Certain related information is essential to drawing inferences from experiments associated with sperm-egg fusion, such as in those connected with eutherian mammals. The membrane regions in sperm-egg binding and fusion are different from regions that are involved in these activities. The particular techniques used in the preparation of gametes and for effective fusion may develop different outcomes. More than one process for binding may exist, possibly employing distinct groups of molecules, because binding can take place in the absence of fusion.
Publication Name: Developmental Biology
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0012-1606
Year: 1993
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