This gene encodes a member of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family, which includes membrane-anchored proteins related to snake venom disintegrins. These proteins are involved in various biological processes such as fertilization, muscle development, and neurogenesis. The preproprotein is processed to produce the mature protease, which sheds the ectodomain of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), releasing soluble TNF-alpha. This protease also processes cell adhesion proteins, cytokine and growth factor receptors, and EGF receptor ligands, and activates the Notch signaling pathway. Elevated expression of this gene has been linked to psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease, suggesting a role in autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the protease may play a role in viral infection by cleaving ACE2, the receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.