ADAMTS13, a plasma reprolysin-like metalloprotease, proteolyzes von Willebrand factor (VWF). ADAMTS13 is primarily synthesized by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and mainly regulates thrombogenesis by cleaving VWF. Recent studies demonstrate that ADAMTS13 also plays a role in the down-regulation of inflammation, regulation angiogenesis, and degradation of extracellular matrix. The purpose of this review is to introduce the state of progress with respect to some of the theorized roles of ADAMTS13.
Keywords: ADAMTS13; Angiogenesis; Expression; Extracellular matrix; Inflammation.