Ecto-
nucleotide pyrophosphatase/
phosphodiesterase (
ENPP) family members (ENPP1-7) have been implicated in key
biological and pathophysiological processes, including
nucleotide and
phospholipid signaling, bone mineralization, fibrotic diseases, and
tumor-associated immune cell infiltration. ENPPs are single-pass transmembrane ecto-
enzymes, with notable exceptions of ENPP2 (Autotaxin) and ENNP6, which are secreted and
glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored, respectively. ENNP1 and ENNP2 are the best characterized and functionally the most interesting members. Here, we review the structural features of ENPP1-7 to understand how they evolved to accommodate specific substrates and mediate different
biological activities. ENPPs are defined by a conserved
phosphodiesterase (PDE) domain. In ENPP1-3, the PDE domain is flanked by two N-terminal
somatomedin B-like domains and a C-terminal inactive nuclease domain that confers structural stability, whereas ENPP4-7 only possess the PDE domain. Structural differences in the substrate-binding site endow each
protein with unique characteristics. Thus, ENPP1, ENPP3, ENPP4, and ENPP5 hydrolyze
nucleotides, whereas ENPP2, ENPP6, and ENNP7 evolved as
phospholipases through adaptions in the catalytic domain. These adaptations explain the different
biological and pathophysiological functions of individual members. Understanding the
ENPP members as a whole advances our insights into common mechanisms, highlights their functional diversity, and helps to explore new
biological roles.