Cardiovascular · Disulphide-constrained endothelin receptor ligand
Endothelin-3
Also known as ET-3; EDN3
A 21-residue endothelin family peptide used to investigate ETB signalling and neural crest-derived cell development.
- Length
- 21 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Endothelin-3 activates endothelin receptors, with substantially lower affinity for ETA than for ETB. ETB activation engages G-protein-dependent signalling, including phospholipase C activation and intracellular calcium mobilisation.
- Studied in
- Cell-based receptor assays, isolated vascular preparations and developmental animal models use ET-3 to investigate endothelin signalling, neural crest development and melanocyte biology.
About Endothelin-3
Endothelin-3 is an endogenous member of the endothelin family, identified during characterisation of related endothelin genes and their peptide products. The mature peptide contains 21 amino acids and two intramolecular disulphide bonds, linking Cys1–Cys15 and Cys3–Cys11. Processing of the EDN3 precursor produces a larger intermediate before formation of mature ET-3. Its sequence differs from endothelin-1 at six positions while retaining the characteristic disulphide framework and C-terminal region.
Receptor pharmacology distinguishes ET-3 from endothelin-1: both recognise ETB efficiently, whereas ET-3 has much weaker affinity for ETA. This preference supports its use in receptor-characterisation experiments, although it should not be treated as absolutely ETB-specific. Beyond vascular preparations, EDN3–EDNRB signalling is examined in neural crest-derived cell populations. Genetic and embryological models connect this pathway with enteric nervous system formation and melanocyte development, providing experimental contexts distinct from acute contractility assays.
Laboratory notes
- For research use only; verify peptide identity, purity and the native disulphide connectivity before interpreting receptor assays.
- Use validated low-binding vessels and assess peptide recovery, as adsorption can distort low-concentration assay results.
- Include ETA and ETB reference antagonists or receptor-defined cell lines when attributing responses to a receptor subtype.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Endothelin-3
Is ET-3 an exclusively ETB-selective ligand?
No. It favours ETB over ETA, but ETA activation remains possible under appropriate experimental conditions.
Why does disulphide connectivity matter?
The Cys1–Cys15 and Cys3–Cys11 bonds constrain the receptor-binding conformation; incorrectly paired material may show altered activity.
Which developmental models are particularly relevant?
Neural crest cultures and Edn3 or Ednrb genetic animal models are used to examine enteric neural and melanocyte lineage development.
Is Endothelin-3 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.