Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
Published on: February 15, 2019
Emerging importance of ACE2 in external stratified epithelial tissues
Nihal Kaplan1, Elena Gonzalez2, Han Peng1
1Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), has been identified as the receptor for the SARS-CoV-2. Several RAS components including ACE2 and its substrate Ang II are present in both eye and skin, two stratified squamous epithelial tissues that isolate organisms from external environment. Our recent findings in cornea and others in both skin and eye suggest contribution of this system, and specifically of ACE2 in variety of physiological and pathological responses of these organ systems. This review will focus on the role RAS system plays in both skin and cornea, and will specifically discuss our recent findings on ACE2 in corneal epithelial inflammation, as well as potential implications of ACE2 in patients with COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical,...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Anchoring Junctions
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Overview
Based on the number of cell layers,...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic

