Methods for Defining the Role of ADAMTS1 in the Ovary.

The protease activity of ADAMTS1 is essential for ovarian development and function. It cleaves and remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) to accommodate growing follicles and the vascular networks. While the loss of ADAMTS1 activity affects ovulation and leads to pathological conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an increased activity may result in premature ovarian failure and ovarian cancers. These findings highlight the precise action of this enzyme in maintaining normal ovarian functions. This chapter describes the methods for detecting, localizing, and determining the activity of ADAMTS1 in the ovary.