Endothelin R Type B (EDNRB)

Endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB, ETB) is a Gq/Gi-coupled receptor that binds all three endothelins with similar affinity and is expressed mainly on vascular endothelium, where its activation releases nitric oxide and prostacyclin to counterbalance ETA-mediated constriction, and clears circulating endothelin-1. ETB signaling is also essential during development for the migration of neural crest-derived melanocytes and enteric neurons: loss-of-function EDNRB mutations cause Waardenburg syndrome type 4 and Hirschsprung disease. In pathology, ETB is upregulated in pulmonary hypertension and melanoma. Recombinant EDNRB supports ligand-binding studies and screening of subtype-selective endothelin antagonists.