Endothelin-2 (ET-2) has a regulatory role in multiple cancer types, such as breast and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). It is overexpressed during early stages of non-metastasized ccRCC, and is thought have a role in the progression of the same. It is a hypoxia-related factor, and might have protective action against cell death in neuronal diseases. It acts as a ligand for ET-A and ET-B receptors, which results in vasoconstriction. A985 polymorphism in this gene is thought play a protective role in cardiovascular diseases, but it acts as a susceptibility factor in atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. In neural retina, it suppresses angiogenesis, and facilitates the tip cell state in endothelial cells.
General description
Endothelin-2 (ET-2) is a member of the endothelin family, which also includes ET-1 and ET-3. ET-2 is the human ortholog of mouse and rat vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC). These peptides are characterized by two disulfide linkages. ET-2 is predominantly expressed in cerebrum, stomach, intestine, ovary, uterus and testis.