Cleaves and releases a number of molecules with important roles in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, such as TEK, KDR, EPHB4, CD40, VCAM1 and CDH5 (PubMed:19273593). May mediate cell-cell, cell-matrix interactions and regulate the motility of cells via interactions with integrins (PubMed:10825303). Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Synthesized as an inactive form which is proteolytically cleaved to generate an active enzyme. Processing at the upstream site is particularly important for activation of the proenzyme, whereas processing at the boundary between the pro-domain and the catalytic domain does not appear to be essential (PubMed:25795784). Inhibited by hydroxamic acid-based inhibitors (PubMed:9920899). Interacts with SH3GL2 and SNX9 through its cytoplasmic tail (PubMed:10531379). Interacts with ITGA6 (PubMed:10825303). Proteolytically cleaved in the trans-Golgi network before it reaches the plasma membrane to generate a mature protein. The removal of the pro-domain occurs via cleavage at two different sites. Processed most likely by a pro-protein convertase such as furin, at the boundary between the pro-domain and the catalytic domain. An additional upstream cleavage pro-protein convertase site (Arg-56/Glu-57) has an important role in the activation of ADAM9. Phosphorylation is induced in vitro by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) (PubMed:9920899). Deficient mice appear to develop normally, are viable and fertile, and do not have any major pathological phenotypes (PubMed:11839819). In adulthood, 20 months after birth, mice display progressive retinal degeneration, disorganized retinal layers and a degenerate retinal pigment epithelium (PubMed:19409519). Extended N-terminus.