Definition

Gamma-enolase, also known as enolase 2 (ENO2) or neuron specific enolase (NSE), is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ENO2 gene.

In 1965, the scientist Moore first discovered an acidic soluble protein, named 14-3-2 protein (NSE), which is widely distributed in the nervous tissues of the brain and has little content in non-nervous tissues. Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) is one of the enolases involved in the glycolytic pathway and exists in nervous and neuroendocrine tissues. The activity of NSE was highest in brain tissue cells, intermediate in peripheral nerve and neurosecretory tissue, and lowest in non-nerve tissue, serum and spinal fluid. It is found to be over-expressed in tumors associated with neuroendocrine tissue origin, especially small cell lung cancer (SCLC), resulting in a significant increase in serum NSE. NSE is a dimeric subtype of the glycolytic enzyme enolase, found mainly in neurons. Although NSE is relatively specific for neuronal cells, it is also found in neuroendocrine carcinoma. Some earlier studies documented elevated concentrations of NSE in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples after different brain diseases, including traumatic brain injury and stroke, and related preclinical models.

Fig. 1 Structure of the ENO2 protein. Based on PyMOL rendering of PDB 1te6

Function

--Nervous syste​m

The expression and mechanism of action of NSE in the nervous system have attracted much attention. The study found that the specificity and extensiveness of NSE expression were closely related to the formation and development of the nervous system. The expression of NSE can help identify the type and state of neurons, providing molecular markers and localization tools for the formation and differentiation of the nervous system. At the same time, NSE also plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of neurons. Studies have shown that NSE can promote the proliferation and differentiation of neurons, while also inhibiting the apoptosis of neurons. In addition, NSE also plays a key role in the growth of neuronal axons and the formation of synapses, which can promote the connection and communication of neurons, affecting the development and function of the nervous system.

--Immune syste​m

In addition to the nervous system, NSE also plays an important role in the immune system. Studies have shown that NSE can be expressed in certain immune cells, such as lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages, as one of the markers of immune cells. The expression of NSE is closely related to the activity and function of immune cells. NSE can also participate in the process of tumor immune evasion, affecting the immune monitoring and clearance of tumor cells.

--Met​abolic system

In addition to the nervous system and immune system, NSE also has a certain role in the metabolic system. Studies have found that NSE can be involved in a variety of metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes, such as glycolysis, lipid metabolism and cholesterol synthesis. In metabolic system diseases, the expression and action of NSE are also affected. For example, in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, NSE expression levels may be affected and thus involved in the initiation and progression of the disease.

Fig .2 NSE - Test

Clinical Applicat​ion

-- Brain injury

Under normal circumstances, serum and cerebrospinal fluid almost do not contain NSE, when the cranial nerve is damaged, some neurons are necrotic and then disintegrate, and the integrity of the cell membrane of brain nerve tissue is damaged, forcing NSE in nerve cells to spread into cerebrospinal fluid and intercellular space; Due to the destruction of the blood-brain barrier caused by injury, its integrity is destroyed or its permeability is enhanced, and its natural barrier effect is weakened, resulting in the release of some protein components into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid through the blood-brain barrier. The content of NSE in blood and cerebrospinal fluid after craniocerebral injury increased with the severity of craniocerebral injury, the more neuronal cells that died and disintegrated, and the more severe the degree of destruction of the blood-brain barrier. This mechanism has become a theoretical basis for detecting NSE changes after brain neuron injury to determine the degree of nerve damage, and NSE is considered to be a specific and sensitive detection index for evaluating the degree of craniocerebral injury and disease prognosis.

-- M​alignant Tumors of The Lungs

NSE only exists in neurons and cells with neuroendocrine function, but some types of lung cancer can also produce NSE and release it into the blood because of the characteristics of neuroendocrine cells, such as small cell lung cancer is a tumor with neurosecretory properties, so NSE is one of the most sensitive and specific tumor markers for small cell lung cancer.

Fig. 3 Elevation of enolase promotes glycolysis, cellular proliferation, activation and migration via the PI3K-AKT and MAPK-ERK pathways 

Alpha Lifetech Inc. is dedicated to developing NSE diagnostic regents. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is a reputable supplier focusing on research, manufacture and sales of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) regents. All the IVD regents offered by Alpha Lifetech Inc. have undergone strict QC validation and are certified by the COA (certificate of analysis). Meanwhile, we can provide customized services according to customers' requirements. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is committed to supplying high-quality, high-sensitivity antigen and antibody products for scientific research and industrial customers. In addition to regular small packages, Alpha Lifetech Inc.'s large-scale fermentation platform also allows us to provide raw material-grade IVD regents for the majority of industrial customers.

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