Endothelin-1
Also known as: ET-1, endothelin
Endothelin-1 is a 21 amino acid peptide released by blood vessel lining cells and known as one of the strongest vessel narrowing signals in human biology. Researchers study it in the context of blood pressure control, kidney cell signaling, and changes in artery walls. Its recorded molecular formula is C109H163N25O32S5 with a mass near 2495.94 daltons.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Vasoconstricting peptide
Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is the most potent vasoconstrictor produced by the human body. It is a peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, as well as by cells in the heart and kidney. The protein encoded by this gene – EDN1 – is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.
Mechanism of Action
The peptide acts through two G protein coupled receptors, EDNRA and EDNRB. In kidney mesangial cells, receptor activity connects to signaling proteins such as PTK2B and to the small GTPases RAP1 and RHOA. It can also engage a separate receptor listed as DEAR/FBXW7-AS1, and in artery wall models its signaling through ROCK is linked to movement of the transcription factor NFATC3 into the nucleus, where it raises activity of the smooth muscle marker gene ACTA2.
Research History
Endothelin-1 was identified as a product of the vascular endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, and the same 21 residue sequence has since been cataloged in human, rat, rabbit, and pig records in UniProt. It is commonly shortened to ET-1 in the literature.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Endothelin-1 (also known as ET-1, endothelin) is studied within the metabolic health research community. Potent vasoconstrictor peptide studied in pulmonary hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, and vascular biology.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: active. Endothelin-1 appears across metabolic health research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the metabolic category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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