Proteolysis of protein on the cell surface and extracellular matrix proteolysis is a very important process that occurs in cells functioning properly. ADAM metalloproteinases are transmembrane proteins that combine features of adhesion molecules and proteinases. These proteins are involved in adhesion, fusion, release of extracellular domains of transmembrane proteins, signal transduction. ADAM proteins play an important role in processes related to: fertilization, myoblast fusion, neurogenesis, and many other processes. Particularly noteworthy: ADAM 17 protein involved in the release of TNF-a, the role of ADAM 10 protein in signal transduction involving the Notch receptor, functions fertyliny in the process of fertilization and meltryny and myoblast fusion.