Target Name: ETNK2
NCBI ID: G55224
Other Name(s): Ethanolamine kinase 2 | ETNK2 variant 1 | EKI2_HUMAN | ethanolamine kinase 2 | ethanolamine kinase-like protein | Ethanolamine kinase 2 (isoform 1) | HMFT1716 | Ethanolamine kinase-like protein | Ethanolamine kinase 2, transcript variant 1 | EKI2 | RP11-74C13.2 | EKI 2

Potential Drug Target: ETK2 for Alcohol Use Disorder and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Ethanolamine kinase 2 (ETK2) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues throughout the body. It is a key enzyme in the metabolic pathway of ethanol, which is a toxic compound that can cause a range of health problems if ingested in high concentrations. ETK2 is involved in the breakdown of ethanol and its metabolites, which are then excreted from the body.

ETK2 has been identified as a potential drug target due to its involvement in the metabolism of alcohol and its potential to interact with a variety of drugs. In this article, we will explore the biology and function of ETK2, as well as its potential as a drug target.

Biochemistry and Function

ETK2 is a member of the glycine-伪-glutamyl transferase (GAT) family, which includes a variety of enzymes that are involved in the transfer of amino acids to other molecules. These enzymes are responsible for the modification of various proteins, including ETK2.

ETK2 is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, and kidneys. It is primarily localized to the liver, where it is involved in the metabolism of ethanol and its metabolites.

ETK2 is involved in the final step of the metabolism of ethanol, which is its conversion to acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR). ALCAR is a critical fuel source for the body's energy-producing processes and is also involved in the treatment of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

ETK2 is also involved in the detoxification of other metabolites of alcohol, including acetic acid and 2-acetyl-尾-glutamyl-L-alanine (2-AG). 2-AG is a potentially toxic compound that can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage and neurotoxicity.

Drug Interactions

ETK2 is a drug target that has been the subject of research in the field of drug discovery. Because of its involvement in the metabolism of alcohol and its potential to interact with a variety of drugs, ETK2 has been targeted by a number of drug developers.

One of the most well-known drugs that targets ETK2 is Naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol dependence and other substance use disorders. Naltrexone works by inhibiting the action of ETK2 and other GAT enzymes, which can help to reduce the formation of ALCAR and other metabolites of alcohol.

Another drug that targets ETK2 is acetaldehyde, which is a metabolite of alcohol that has been shown to have neurotoxicity. Acetaldehyde is inhibited by ETK2, which can help to protect against neurotoxicity.

ETK2 has also been shown to interact with a variety of other drugs, including statins, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. These interactions can have important implications for drug development and pharmacotherapy.

Clinical Applications

ETK2 has been identified as a potential drug target for a variety of disorders, including alcohol use disorder, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.

In the context of alcohol use disorder, ETK2 has been shown to play a key role in the metabolism of alcohol and its effects on the body. Studies have shown that ETK2 is involved in the formation of ALCAR and other metabolites of alcohol, which can contribute to the development of alcohol tolerance and the need for increasingly high amounts of alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication.

In addition to its role in alcohol metabolism, ETK2 is also involved in the detoxification of other metabolites of alcohol, including acetic acid and 2-acetyl-尾-glutamyl-L-alanine (2-AG). Studies have shown that ETK2 can help to protect against neurotoxicity caused by these metabolites, which can be associated with

Protein Name: Ethanolamine Kinase 2

Functions: Highly specific for ethanolamine phosphorylation. Does not have choline kinase activity (By similarity)

More Common Targets

ETNPPL | ETS1 | ETS2 | ETS2-AS1 | ETV1 | ETV2 | ETV3 | ETV3L | ETV4 | ETV5 | ETV6 | ETV7 | Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase | Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B | Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF-3) complex | Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A (eIF-4A) | Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E Binding Protein | EVA1A | EVA1A-AS | EVA1B | EVA1C | EVC | EVC2 | EVI2A | EVI2B | EVI5 | EVI5L | EVL | EVPL | EVPLL | EVX1 | EVX1-AS | EVX2 | EWSAT1 | EWSR1 | EXD1 | EXD2 | EXD3 | EXO1 | EXO5 | EXOC1 | EXOC1L | EXOC2 | EXOC3 | EXOC3-AS1 | EXOC3L1 | EXOC3L2 | EXOC3L4 | EXOC4 | EXOC5 | EXOC5P1 | EXOC6 | EXOC6B | EXOC7 | EXOC8 | Exocyst complex | EXOG | EXOGP1 | Exon junction complex | EXOSC1 | EXOSC10 | EXOSC10-AS1 | EXOSC2 | EXOSC3 | EXOSC4 | EXOSC5 | EXOSC6 | EXOSC7 | EXOSC8 | EXOSC9 | Exosome Complex | EXPH5 | EXT1 | EXT2 | EXTL1 | EXTL2 | EXTL2P1 | EXTL3 | EXTL3-AS1 | EYA1 | EYA2 | EYA3 | EYA4 | EYS | EZH1 | EZH2 | EZHIP | EZR | F10 | F11 | F11-AS1 | F11R | F12 | F13A1 | F13B | F2 | F2R | F2RL1 | F2RL2 | F2RL3