Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) (ENO2) Native Protein

Function: Has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties on a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) neurons. Binds, in a calcium-dependent manner, to cultured neocortical neurons and promotes cell survival. Ref.6

Catalytic activity: 2-phospho-D-glycerate = phosphoenolpyruvate + H2O.

Cofactor: Magnesium. Required for catalysis and for stabilizing the dimer.

Pathway: Carbohydrate degradation; glycolysis; pyruvate from D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate: step 4/5.

Subunit structure: Mammalian enolase is composed of 3 isozyme subunits, alpha, beta and gamma, which can form homodimers or heterodimers which are cell-type and development-specific.

Subcellular location: Cytoplasm

By similarity. Cell membrane

By similarity. Note: Can translocate to the plasma membrane in either the homodimeric (alpha/alpha) or heterodimeric (alpha/gamma) form

By similarity. Ref.7

Tissue specificity: The alpha/alpha homodimer is expressed in embryo and in most adult tissues. The alpha/beta heterodimer and the beta/beta homodimer are found in striated muscle, and the alpha/gamma heterodimer and the gamma/gamma homodimer in neurons.

Developmental stage: During ontogenesis, there is a transition from the alpha/alpha homodimer to the alpha/beta heterodimer in striated muscle cells, and to the alpha/gamma heterodimer in nerve cells. ENO2 levels in brain increase 10-30 days after birth. Levels continue to accumulate over the following few months (protein only).

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the enolase family.