Neutrophil Elastase (ELA2/ELANE)

ELANE (Elastase, Neutrophilic) is an enzyme encoded by ELANE gene, also known as neutrophil Elastase. It is an important component of vascular endothelial cells and has important physiological and pathological effects.

1. Background of ELANE

The ELANE gene is located on chromosome 19 and is a DNA sequence composed of 267 nucleotides, encoding a 265 amino acid ELANE protein with a molecular weight of 29-30 kDa. ELANE was first isolated and purified from human neutrophils by Schr ö der et al. in 1962, which initiated extensive research on neutrophil Elastase.

2. The Function of ELANE

ELANE is mainly used to degrade collagen and elastin in human body to maintain the stability and plasticity of tissue structure. At the same time, ELANE can also eliminate microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and has a strong immune regulatory effect. In addition, ELANE can also release various cytokines and collagenase, that playing an important biological role in cell proliferation and differentiation.

3. ELANE related diseases

Cough pneumonia

ELANE plays an important role in neutrophils in infectious diseases. A significant increase in the expression level of ELANE was found in neutrophils of patients with cough induced pneumonia. ELANE enhances its ability to resist secretion of extracellular pathogens by degrading molecules such as bacterial membranes and thromboxanes, thereby playing an anti-infective role.

Immune complex nephritis

In immune system diseases, ELANE also plays a certain role. Research has shown that ELANE activates Protease-activated receptor-3 (PAR-3) on the glomerular cell membrane in immune complex nephritis, leading to rupture of the glomerular basement membrane and glomerular osteoporosis, promoting inflammation and tissue damage.

Gigantism

In endocrine system diseases, the expression of ELANE protein is higher in tumor cells of patients with gigantism, which can promote the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells.

4. The potential application of ELANE protein in medicine

Anti-infective drugs

The study of ELANE protein provides new ideas for the development of anti-infective drugs. There are currently some ELANE protein inhibitors in clinical trials, which can effectively inhibit the activity of ELANE protein to reduce inflammation and tissue damage.

Anti-tumor drugs

Some studies have shown that ELANE protein can promote the growth and invasion of tumor cells, so ELANE protein inhibitors can be used for the development of anti-tumor drugs.

anti-inflammatory drug

ELAN plays an important role in inflammatory response and can promote the occurrence of inflammatory reactions. Therefore, when treating inflammation related diseases, ELANE inhibitors can be used.

5. List of ELANE related drugs under research

Sivelestat（ONO-5046）

Sivelestat is an ELANE inhibitor developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company in Japan. It can effectively inhibit the activity of ELANE, thereby reducing inflammatory reaction and tissue damage, and has been used in the treatment of infectious diseases such as tracheitis and sepsis.

Elafin

Elafin is a natural protein that is secreted by alveolar epithelial cells and neutrophils as an ELANE inhibitor. Elafin's research shows that it can inhibit the activity of ELANE protein and play an important role in lung infection, tuberculosis and other diseases.

Conclusion

Overall, ELANE is involved in the regulation of the immune system and is closely related to the occurrence and development of some diseases. Regarding its role in diseases, ELANE inhibitors have become a potential treatment option for related diseases. In the future, through in-depth research on the mechanism of action of ELANE protein and the development and application of various treatment methods, it is believed that better treatment plans will be provided for various related diseases.