Differential expression patterns of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) -1, -4, -5, and -14 in human placenta and gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Context: The ability of intermediate trophoblasts to invade maternal tissue during placentation depends on how well they can degrade the extracellular matrix. Invasion into the extracellular matrix requires many complex proteases. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) is a novel family of secreted metalloproteinases.