Research advance in correlation between a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) and cardiovascular diseases

ADAM17, also known as TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), is a member of a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) family, which cuts off the ectodomain of membrane proteins and then regulates the cell’s responsiveness to external stimuli. It is called "molecular scissors" based on its important roles in multiple cell processes. ADAM17 mediates the cleavage of EGFR ligands, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, ACE2 and VEGFR2, thus participating in the pathological process of many cardiovascular diseases and adverse events such as coronary heart disease, aneurysm, heart failure and hypertension. ADAM17 may be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the future.