Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells,[1] as well as by cells in the heart (affecting contractility) and kidney (affecting sodium handling).[2] The protein encoded by this gene EDN1 is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.
Preproendothelin is precursor of the peptide ET-1. Endothelial cells convert preproendothelin to proendothelin and subsequently to mature endothelin, which the cells release.[1] [3]
Patients with salt-sensitive hypertension have higher plasma ET-1. Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (Bosentan) are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.[1] Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension.[1]
As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research.[4]