Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 Angiotensin converting enzyme 2, or ACE2, is an exopeptidase expressed primarily by vascular endothelial cells in the heart and kidneys, but also in respiratory epithelia[1] and in the gastrointestinal tract. It is the target of several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. 2 Biochemistry ACE2 is a transmembrane metallocarboxypeptidase composed of 805 amino acids. Zinc and chloride ions act as cofactors. The extracellular region consists of two domains, a zinc metallopeptidase domain and a C-terminal collectrin homology domain. The enzyme exhibits homology to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE2 is encoded by the ACE2 gene on the X chromosome (gene locus Xp22.2). In addition to being expressed as a transmembrane protein, a soluble form exists in serum. 3 Function ACE2 cleaves angiotensin II into angiotensin (1-7), which has anti-inflammatory and lung protective effects via MAS and AT2 receptors. 4 Clinical ...
A personal blog of Tanya G. Guleria, the author of the medical series "Theory of Autoimmunity"