Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, as well as by cells in the heart (affecting contractility) and kidney (affecting sodium handling). The protein encoded by this gene – EDN1 – is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.

Sources

Preproendothelin is precursor of the peptide ET-1. Endothelial cells convert preproendothelin to proendothelin and subsequently to mature endothelin, which the cells release.

Clinical significance

Patients with salt-sensitive hypertension have higher plasma ET-1. Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (Bosentan) are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension. As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research.