ADAMs (short for a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) are a family of single-pass transmembrane and secreted metalloendopeptidases.
[4] Those ADAMs which are active proteases are classified as sheddases because they cut off or shed extracellular portions of transmembrane proteins.
[5] ADAM genes are found in animals, choanoflagellates, fungi and some groups of green algae.
Most green algae and all land plants likely lost ADAM proteins.
[6] ADAMs are categorized under the EC 3.4.24.46 enzyme group, and in the MEROPS peptidase family M12B.