The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS)

The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS)

Functional Aspects and Therapeutic Implications
2015, Pages 185-189
The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS)

Chapter 25 - ACE2 Cell Biology, Regulation, and Physiological Functions

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801364-9.00025-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), discovered as a homologue of ACE, acts as its physiological counterbalance providing homeostatic regulation of circulating angiotensin II (Ang II) levels. ACE2 is a zinc metalloenzyme and carboxypeptidase located as an ectoenzyme on the surface of endothelial and other cells. While its primary substrate appears to be Ang II, it can hydrolyze a number of other physiological substrates. Additionally, ACE2 functions in other noncatalytic cellular roles including the regulation of intestinal neutral amino acid transport. It also serendipitously acts as the receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus. Upregulation of ACE2 expression and function is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic strategy in hypertension and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung injury, and fibrotic disorders. ACE2 is regulated at multiple levels including transcriptional, posttranscriptional (miRNA and epigenetic), and posttranslational through its shedding from the cell surface.

Keywords

ACE2
Angiotensin
Apelin
Bradykinin
Cardioprotection
Fibrosis
Hypertension
Metallopeptidase
Mas receptor

References

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