This gene encodes one of the three enolase isoenzymes found in mammals. This isoenzyme, a homodimer, is found in mature neurons and cells of neuronal origin. A switch from alpha enolase to gamma enolase occurs in neural tissue during development in rats and primates. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in cynomolgus macaques demonstrated that methamphetamine administration significantly decreased hippocampal expression of the ENO2 mRNA, a marker involved in neuronal glycolysis and cell survival, with a greater decrease observed following chronic treatment compared to acute exposure [Choi et al. DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2018.05.031]. In forensic pathology, the ENO2 is utilized for evaluating functional neuronal damage, where it can be detected via immunohistochemistry in damaged axons after a survival period of 1.5–3 hours following traumatic brain injury [Karaboue et al. DOI:10.3390/healthcare12222266].