The low binding affinity of ADAMTS4 for citrullinated fibronectin may contribute to the destruction of joint cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rapid cartilage degradation in the joints is observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4) degrades aggrecan, the primary component of cartilage, therefore contributing to joint erosion in RA. The proteolytic activity of ADAMTS4 is inhibited by fibronectin (FN). FN is abundantly expressed in the synovia in RA and is modified by citrullination, the conversion of peptidylarginine...