Classification of ADAMTS binding sites: The first step toward selective ADAMTS7 inhibitors

Genome-wide association studies identified ADAMTS7 as a risk locus for coronary artery disease. In carotid arteries of rats, neointima formation after balloon-mediated injury goes along with enhanced Adamts7 expression. Vice versa, Adamts7-deficient mice display reduced neointima formation following vascular injury. Although a causal link between ADAMTS7 and coronary artery disease remains to be proven, inhibition of ADAMTS7 represents a potential new target for intervention in this disease.