ADAMTSL1 is a secreted molecule resembling members of the ADAMTS protein family of matrix metalloproteinases. Both ADAMTS proteins and ADAM protein family contain a disintegrin and a metalloprotease domain. Metallospondins is collective term for members of ADAMTS protein family. ADAMTS proteins lack the EGF-like domain found normally in members of the ADAM protein family. They also do not possess the canonical disintegrin sequence found in the ADAM protein family. It contains the domains found in members of the ADAMTS protein family with the exception of the pro-metalloprotease and the disintegrin-like domain typical of this family. ADAMTSL1 gene is expressed in adult skeletal muscle. ADAMTSL1 may play an important role in the extracellular matrix as it is deposited in the cell substratum in a punctate fashion and is excluded from focal contacts.