ADAMTS Proteases: Their Multifaceted Role in the Regulation of Cancer Metastasis

Cancer leads to nearly 10 million deaths worldwide per year. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is fundamental for tumour growth and progression. A key component of the TME, the extracellular matrix (ECM) has recently become a focus of interest in cancer research. Dysregulation of ECM synthesis and proteolysis leads to uncontrolled tumour growth and metastasis. Matrix remodelling enzymes, secreted by cancer cells and stromal cells, modify the overall structure and organisation of ECM proteins, therefore influencing biochemical interactions, tissue integrity and tissue turnover. While A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAMs)’ and matrix metalloproteinases’ role in cancer has been deeply investigated, other proteolytic enzymes, like ADAMs with thrombospondin(-like) motifs (ADAMTSs) have been gaining interest due to their roles in modulating cancer cell-ECM interactions and oncogenic signalling pathways. In this review, we will discuss the dysregulation of ADAMTSs in cancer and their roles in regulating cancer development and progression, via ECM remodelling and cell signalling modulation.