The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase
containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a
novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases.
The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type
forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including
fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the
wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of
using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention
also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The
present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant
drugs based upon ADAMTS13.