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Characterization of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) in Human Urine
Rebecca A Lew1,2, Fiona J Warner1, Iresha Hanchapola1
11Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria Australia.
International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Researchers found angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) in human urine, with levels higher than ACE. This novel enzyme plays a counter-regulatory role to ACE in the body.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a carboxypeptidase homologous to ACE, which produces the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (Ang II).
- ACE2 inactivates Ang II, suggesting a counter-regulatory function to ACE.
- ACE2 is abundant in renal tubular epithelial cells and its expression may increase in renal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is present in human urine.
- To compare urinary levels of ACE2 with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
- To investigate the potential of urinary ACE2 as a biomarker for renal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Identification of ACE2 in human urine using a sensitive fluorescence-based activity assay.
- Confirmation of ACE2 presence via Western immunoblot analysis.
- Quantification and comparison of urinary ACE2 and ACE levels.
Main Results:
- ACE2 was successfully identified in human urine by both activity assay and Western immunoblot.
- Urinary levels of ACE2 were found to be significantly higher than those of ACE.
- This finding may indicate preferential targeting of ACE2 to the luminal surface of renal epithelium.
Conclusions:
- ACE2 is present in human urine, suggesting a soluble form can be released in vivo.
- Higher urinary ACE2 levels compared to ACE suggest a specific role in renal physiology.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical significance of urinary ACE2 in renal diseases.
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