This gene encodes a member of the neutral endopeptidase (NEP)-related family. It is expressed specifically in the nervous system. The gene disruption in mouse embryonic stem cells results in neonatal lethality due to respiratory failure shortly after birth. Based on the specific expression of this gene and the phenotype of the gene deficiency in mouse embryos, it is suggested that the protein encoded by this gene play a critical role in the nervous regulation of the respiratory system.[7]
^"Human PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^"Mouse PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^Valdenaire O, Richards JG, Faull RL, Schweizer A (Mar 1999). "XCE, a new member of the endothelin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase family, is preferentially expressed in the CNS". Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 64 (2): 211–21. doi:10.1016/S0169-328X(98)00321-0. PMID9931490.
^Rump A, Kasper G, Hayes C, Wen G, Starke H, Liehr T, Lehmann R, Lagemann D, Rosenthal A (May 2001). "Complex arrangement of genes within a 220-kb region of double-duplicated DNA on human 2q37.1". Genomics. 73 (1): 50–5. doi:10.1006/geno.2000.6504. PMID11352565.
Kawamoto T, Ohira M, Hamano S, et al. (2003). "High expression of the novel endothelin-converting enzyme genes, Nbla03145/ECEL1alpha and beta, is associated with favorable prognosis in human neuroblastomas". Int. J. Oncol. 22 (4): 815–22. doi:10.3892/ijo.22.4.815. PMID12632073.