REVIEW: Endothelin-Converting Enzyme: Its Functional Aspect

O. A. Gomazkov

Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, ul. Pogodinskaya 10, Moscow, 119832 Russia; fax: (7-095) 245-0857; E-mail: inst@ibmh.msk.su

Received August 12, 1997; Revision received October 14, 1997

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The system of endothelin peptides and their structure, biological activity, and role in physiological and pathological processes are reviewed with emphasis on endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), which catalyzes the terminal processing of endothelin. Molecular specificity, structure, isoforms, physicochemical characteristics, substrate preference, and tissue localization characterize this enzyme as a novel and highly important metalloendopeptidase. The role of ECE in pathological processes and data on inhibitors of the enzyme which can have medical implication are summarized.

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KEY WORDS: endothelin, endothelin-converting enzyme, metalloendopeptidase, inhibitors

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