EDN2
Description
The EDN2 (endothelin 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
Endothelin 2 (ET-2) is a protein encoded by the EDN2 gene in humans. It is one of three endothelin isoforms (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) that constrict blood vessels. ET-2 is primarily produced in vascular endothelial cells of the kidney, placenta, uterus, heart, central nervous system, and intestine. While its levels in blood are typically low (0.3-3 pg/ml), ET-2 plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure and vascular tone. ET-2 binds to two G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), the endothelin A receptor (EDNRA) and the endothelin B receptor (EDNRB). Despite its close similarity to ET-1, ET-2 appears to have unique functions. Studies in ET-2 knockout mice have shown that the absence of ET-2 leads to growth retardation, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and ketonemia, ultimately resulting in early mortality. This suggests that ET-2 plays a crucial role in various physiological processes beyond vasoconstriction.
EDN2 is also known as ET-2, ET2, PPET2.
