ADAMTS-5 is an enzyme that belongs to the ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family. It plays a crucial role in the breakdown of aggrecan, a key component of cartilage. By cleaving aggrecan, ADAMTS-5 helps regulate the turnover of cartilage in joints, which is essential for maintaining healthy joint function. This enzyme is particularly important in the context of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. Increased activity of ADAMTS-5 has been linked to the progression of osteoarthritis, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving cartilage health and alleviating joint pain.