Meta-Biol

• Pathways

NTPDase1 (CD39) is a plasma membrane-bound ectonucleotidase encoded by the ENTPD1 gene that hydrolyzes extracellular NTPs to NMPs, via corresponding NDP intermediates (Lemmens et al. 2000, Kukulski et al. 2005). NTPDase1 is expressed on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and most leukocytes. The vascular endothelial NTPDase1 regulates platelet aggregation and thrombosis (Kaczmarek et al. 1996, Enjoyji et al. 1999). In mice, NTPDase1 is expressed at the surface of epidermal dendritic cells (Langerhans cells) and is involved in regulation of immune response to skin irritants (Mizumoto et al. 2002). NTPDase1 expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells regulates vasomotion (Kauffenstein et al. 2010, reviewed by Kukulski et al. 2011). In regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and other leukocytes NTPDase1 regulates inflammatory processes (Deaglio et al. 2007).