The protein encoded by this gene is a plasma membrane protein that catalyzes the conversion of extracellular nucleotides to membrane-permeable nucleosides. The encoded protein is used as a determinant of lymphocyte differentiation. Defects in this gene can lead to the calcification of joints and arteries. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2011] CIViC Summary for NT5E Gene
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from animals with a 60% total body surface area scald burn showed no significant changes in the protein or mRNA expression of the NT5E compared to non-burned controls, indicating its stability as a positive identification marker for ASCs following severe injury [Prasai et al. DOI:10.007/s12015-017-9721-9]. The research further found that enriched ASCs maintained their characteristic cell-surface marker profile, differentiation potential, and proliferative ability, with the NT5E expression remaining unaffected by the post-burn inflammatory environment.