Role and Interaction Between ACE1, ACE2 and Their Related Genes in Cardiovascular Disorders

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, with underlying genetic mechanisms poorly understood.
• The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial for blood pressure homeostasis, involving key enzymes like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
• ACE genetic variations influence cardiovascular and renal function, and its inhibition is a therapeutic strategy for hypertension and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the in vivo role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) within the cardiovascular system.
• To investigate the function of ACE2 in the context of the renin-angiotensin system.
• To understand the molecular and genetic underpinnings of cardiovascular disease predisposition.

Main Methods:

• Identification of ACE2 as a homologue of ACE, predominantly expressed in kidney and heart vascular endothelial cells.
• Characterization of ACE2's enzymatic activity as a carboxypeptidase, generating Ang1-9 from Ang I and Ang1-7 from Ang II.
• Exploration of the in vivo physiological relevance of ACE2 in cardiovascular and RAS regulation.

Main Results:

• ACE2 functions differently from ACE, acting as a carboxypeptidase.
• ACE2 generates Ang1-7, a peptide with known vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The precise in vivo contribution of ACE2 to cardiovascular homeostasis remains to be fully determined.

Conclusions:

• ACE2 represents a novel component of the renin-angiotensin system with a distinct enzymatic function.
• Further research is essential to define the in vivo role of ACE2 in cardiovascular health and disease.
• Understanding ACE2's function may reveal new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.