Endothelin receptor type B (ETB) (ETB)

The Endothelin receptor type B (ETB) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds to the endothelin family of peptides (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3) with equal affinity (UniProt: P24530). It is primarily expressed on endothelial cells, where it mediates vasodilation through the production of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, and on renal tubular cells, where it regulates sodium and water excretion (PubMed: 23603813). A critical physiological function of ETB is the "clearance" of circulating endothelin-1, primarily in the lungs, which prevents excessive systemic vasoconstriction (NCBI Gene: 1910). During embryonic development, ETB is essential for the migration of neural crest cells; defects in this receptor lead to Hirschsprung disease and Waardenburg syndrome (PubMed: 15517392). In the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), ETB is targeted by dual endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) like bosentan and macitentan to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance (StatPearls: NBK538214). While ETA receptors are the primary targets for vasoconstriction, the role of ETB in PAH is complex, as it mediates both beneficial vasodilation and potentially harmful cell proliferation in certain disease states.

Other names

EDNRBEndothelin B receptorET-BET-BREndothelin receptor non-selective type

Dual endothelin receptor antagonism (ETA/ETB) to inhibit vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling; selective ETB receptor agonism for neuroprotection; selective ETB receptor antagonism for research and potential oncology applications (StatPearls: NBK538214; PubMed: 31550158).