Enolase 2

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Enolase 2 (ENO2), also known as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ENO2 gene. It is one of the three enolase isoenzymes found in mammals, and it is primarily localized in neurons and cells of the neuroendocrine system.

Function[edit | edit source]

Enolase is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. This reaction is a key step in the glycolytic pathway, which is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. The free energy released in this process is used to form the high-energy molecules ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

File:Enolase mechanism.png
Mechanism for conversion of 2PG to PEP.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Enolase 2 is a specific cell type marker that is expressed at high levels in neuronal cells. Because of this, it is often used as a marker in serum to measure neuronal damage or neuronal death. Elevated levels of ENO2 in the blood can indicate the presence of a small cell lung cancer or a neuroendocrine tumour.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD