ADAMs are membrane-anchored proteases that proteolytically modify cell surface and extracellular matrix (ECM) in order to alter cell behaviour. It has been shown that the cysteine-rich domain of ADAM13 regulates the protein's metalloprotease activity [1].

1: The cysteine-rich domain regulates ADAM protease function in vivo. Smith KM, Gaultier A, Cousin H, Alfandari D, White JM, DeSimone DW; J Cell Biol 2002;159:893-902. PMID:12460986