α-Enolase, also known as enolase-1, is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate.1 It is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, including liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. In cells, α-enolase is primarily localized to the cytoplasm, however, an alternatively translated form localizes to the nucleus and lacks glycolytic enzyme activity.1,2 α-Enolase also functions as a cell surface receptor for plasminogen on pathogens and activated immune cells, as an oxidative stress protein in endothelial cells, and as a chromatin binding partner to facilitate transcription.2,3,4 The ENO1 promoter contains a hypoxia-response element, allowing α-enolase to facilitate aerobic glycolysis and contribute to the Warburg effect in tumor cells.2 α-Enolase is overexpressed in multiple tumors, including glioma, neuroblastoma, pancreatic, prostate, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Its role as a plasminogen receptor facilitates extracellular matrix degradation and cancer invasion.4 α-Enolase is an autoantigen in asthma, Hashimoto's encephalopathy, and rheumatoid arthritis, and has been found in the serum of pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.5,6,7,8WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
