Both ADAM10 and 17 are implicated in development-regulated notch signaling by ectodomain shedding of Notch ligands Delta and Jagged (LaVoie and Selkoe, 2003). While localization and function of TACE and ADAM10 in the SVZ have been described (Katakowski et al., 2007; Yang et al., 2006; Yang et al., 2005) their expression by different cell types residing in this neurogenic area is yet to be determined. In that regard, Katakowski and colleagues report that TACE is expressed in isolated and clustered cells in the SVZ, as well as in ependymal cells and cells in contact with the lateral ventricle. They further report that TACE is expressed by SVZ neuroblasts but not astrocytes (Katakowski et al., 2007). Yang and colleagues suggest that ADAM21 is a dominant ADAM family member expressed in the adult SVZ (Yang et al., 2006; Yang et al., 2005). Therefore, it appears that alterations in α-secretase activity would modulate aspects of both neurogenesis and AD.
