Enolase 2

Gamma-enolase, also known as enolase 2 (ENO2) or neuron specific enolase (NSE), is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ENO2 is_associated_with::gene. Gamma-enolase is a is_associated_with::phosphopyruvate hydratase.

Gamma-enolase is one of the three is_associated_with::enolase isoenzymes found in is_associated_with::mammals. This isoenzyme, a homodimer, is found in mature is_associated_with::neurons and cells of neuronal origin. A switch from is_associated_with::alpha enolase to gamma enolase occurs in neural tissue during development in is_associated_with::rats and is_associated_with::primates.

Utility
Detection of NSE with is_associated_with::antibodies can be used to identify neuronal cells and cells with is_associated_with::neuroendocrine differentiation. NSE is produced by is_associated_with::small cell carcinomas which are is_associated_with::neuroendocrine in origin. NSE is therefore a useful tumor marker for lung cancer patients.