ACE2

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
Structure of ACE2 protein
Identifiers
Symbol	?
HGNC	13557
OMIM	300335
PDB	1R42
Other data
EC number	3.4.17.23

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. ACE2 is a zinc metalloprotease that is encoded by the ACE2 gene located on the X chromosome in humans.

Structure

ACE2 is a type I transmembrane protein composed of 805 amino acids. It has a single transmembrane helix, an extracellular domain that contains the active site, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain of ACE2 is responsible for its enzymatic activity, which involves the cleavage of angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7, a peptide with vasodilatory effects.

Function

ACE2 serves as a counter-regulatory enzyme to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the RAS. While ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, ACE2 converts angiotensin II to angiotensin 1-7, which has vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This balance between ACE and ACE2 is critical for maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.

Role in Disease

ACE2 has gained significant attention due to its role as the entry receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The virus's spike protein binds to ACE2 on the surface of host cells, facilitating viral entry and infection. This interaction has implications for the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and has made ACE2 a target for therapeutic interventions.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in ACE2 expression or function can have significant clinical implications. Reduced ACE2 activity is associated with hypertension, heart failure, and lung injury. Conversely, increased ACE2 activity may have protective effects in these conditions. Understanding the regulation of ACE2 is important for developing treatments for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Research and Therapeutics

Research into ACE2 is ongoing, with studies exploring its potential as a therapeutic target. Strategies include ACE2 mimetics, ACE2 gene therapy, and inhibitors of the ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 interaction. These approaches aim to modulate ACE2 activity to treat hypertension, heart disease, and COVID-19.

Also see

• Renin-angiotensin system
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme
• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19
• Hypertension