The ENSA gene is located on chromosome 1q21.3 . The protein encoded by this gene plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is known to be an endogenous regulator of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels through its interaction with the beta-cell sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) . The KATP channel is an octameric complex composed of two structurally unrelated types of subunits: Kir6.2 (KCNJ11) and the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) .
Endosulfine Alpha is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion. It modulates insulin release by inhibiting the binding of sulfonylureas to their receptor in vitro . This protein also inhibits cloned KATP channel currents, thereby stimulating insulin secretion . Additionally, it has been proposed as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes due to its role in insulin regulation .
During mitosis, Endosulfine Alpha acts as a protein phosphatase inhibitor, specifically inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) . When phosphorylated at Ser-67, it interacts with PPP2R2D (PR55-delta) and inhibits its activity, which is essential for maintaining high cyclin-B1-CDK1 activity during the M phase .