Granulin-Epithelin Precursor Binds Directly to ADAMTS-7 and ADAMTS-12 and Inhibits Their Degradation of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein.

The article presents a study which examined the binding of the granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) to metalloproteinase ADAMTS-7 and ADAMTS-12 and its inhibitory function in the degradation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. According to the authors, GEP directly bound to ADAMTS-7 and ADAMTS-12 in vitro and in chondrocytes and each unit of granulin in GEP mediated their interactions. They indicate the important role of ADAMTS-7/ADAMTS-12 in inhibiting the degradation of joint cartilage in arthritis.