Expression and function of ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteases) in the central nervous system during embryonic development

The function of ADAMs, which is involved in cell-cell, cell-matrix interactions and ectodomain shedding of transmembrane proteins, is studied in the developing chicken central nervous system by in ovo or ex ovo electroporation. The main points focus on the roles of ADAMs in regulating neurogenesis, neuronal migration and axon growth during chicken embryonic development. Furthermore, the effects of ADAMs on the regulation of cadherins, which play a very important role in the developing central nervous system, are also investigated.