Angiotensin converting enzyme 2

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2

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 carboxypeptidase enzyme that is located on the surface of various cell types, including epithelial cells in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines.

Structure and Function

ACE2 is a type I transmembrane protein composed of 805 amino acids. It has a single transmembrane domain, an extracellular catalytic domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The primary function of ACE2 is to cleave angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, into angiotensin-(1-7), which has vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Role in the Renin-Angiotensin System

The renin-angiotensin system is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. ACE2 counteracts the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) by reducing the levels of angiotensin II and increasing the levels of angiotensin-(1-7). This balance is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Clinical Significance

ACE2 has gained significant attention due to its role as the entry receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19. The virus binds to ACE2 on the surface of host cells, facilitating viral entry and infection.

COVID-19 and ACE2

The interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 is a critical step in the viral life cycle. Understanding this interaction has been key to developing therapeutic strategies and vaccines against COVID-19. ACE2 expression levels and distribution in different tissues may influence the severity and progression of COVID-19.

Research and Therapeutic Implications

Research into ACE2 has expanded significantly due to its dual role in cardiovascular regulation and viral infection. Therapeutic strategies targeting ACE2 include:

• ACE2 Inhibitors: These are being explored to modulate the RAS and treat hypertension and heart failure.
• Recombinant ACE2: This approach involves using soluble ACE2 to act as a decoy receptor for SARS-CoV-2, potentially reducing viral load and severity of infection.

Also see

• Renin-angiotensin system
• Angiotensin II
• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19
• Vasodilation