Ethanolamine kinase 2 (ETNK2)

Ethanolamine kinase 2 (ETNK2) is an enzyme belonging to the choline/ethanolamine kinase family, highly specific for the phosphorylation of ethanolamine. It catalyzes the first committed step of the CDP-ethanolamine pathway crucial for phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis, which is a key component of cellular membranes. ETNK2 displays tissue-specific expression, notably abundant in renal tubules and seminiferous ducts. Its function has been linked to cell proliferation and apoptosis in cancer, and to vascular hemostasis via modulation of fibrinolytic factors. Context-dependent roles have been reported in various cancers, sometimes acting as a tumor suppressor (as in prostate cancer) or being upregulated and promoting oncogenesis (as in gastric and thyroid cancers). Loss or downregulation of ETNK2 affects PE biosynthesis, with implications for embryogenesis and placental function

Other names

EKI2HMFT1716FLJ10761ethanolamine kinase-like proteinEKI 2