This gene encodes a member of the endothelin protein family of secretory vasoconstrictive peptides. The preproprotein is processed to a short mature form which functions as a ligand for the endothelin receptors that initiate intracellular signaling events. This gene product is involved in a wide range of biological processes, such as hypertension and ovulation. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008].
Keator, Mah, Ohm, Slayden: "Estrogen and progesterone regulate expression of the endothelins in the rhesus macaque endometrium." in: Human reproduction (Oxford, England), Vol. 26, Issue 7, pp. 1715-28, (2011) (PubMed).