Enolase-3 is a homodimeric enzyme predominantly found in skeletal muscle cells of adults. It plays a crucial role in the glycolytic pathway, specifically in the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate . This step is essential for the production of ATP, which provides energy for various cellular processes.
The ENO3 gene spans approximately 6 kilobases and contains 12 exons. The first exon is non-coding, and the gene’s regulatory region includes several muscle-specific regulatory elements. These elements ensure that ENO3 is highly expressed in muscle tissues, where it is necessary for muscle development and regeneration .
Human recombinant Enolase-3 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the ENO3 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of the enzyme, which can be used for various research and therapeutic purposes.
Beyond its primary role in glycolysis, Enolase-3 has been found to have several other functions. It acts as a DNA-binding protein and a tubulin/microtubule-binding protein during myogenesis. Additionally, it has been implicated in hypoxia tolerance, tumor suppression, and cell surface plasminogen binding .