ECEL1 Background Information ECEL1 (endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1, also designated XCE and DINE, damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase) is a member of the family of cell-surface zinc metallopeptidases (1,2,6,7). This family of metalloproteases includes endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) (3-5). These peptidases are involved in the post-secretory processing and metabolism of neuropeptides and peptide hormones (3). Following neuronal damage, proteolytic activity of ECEL1 activates antioxidant enzymes suggesting a mechanism for how injured neurons protect themselves against death (2). Glycosylated ECEL1 is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and medulla (6,7).
