A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4)

Cleaves aggrecan, a cartilage proteoglycan, and may be involved in its turnover. May play an essential role in the destruction of aggrecan in arthritic diseases.

Could also be a critical element in the exacerbation of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer disease. Cleaves aggrecan in the'392-Glu-.