This gene encodes a member of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain) family. Members of this family are membrane-anchored proteins structurally related to snake venom disintegrins, and have been implicated in a variety of biological processes involving cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, including fertilization, muscle development, and neurogenesis. This gene is highly expressed in the brain and may function as an integrin ligand in the brain.Synonyms: Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 23, MDC-3, MDC3, Metalloproteinase-like disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich protein 3