Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) role in disease and future in research

to the zinc metalloprotease angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) which was also named angiotensin-converting enzyme homolog (ACEH). The ACE2 gene encodes a deduced 805-amino acid protein that shares approximately 40% identity with the N-and C-terminal domains of ACE. ACE2 contains a potential 17-amino acid N-terminal signal peptide and a putative 22-amino acid C-terminal membrane anchor. It has a conserved zinc metalloprotease consensus sequence (HEXXH) and a conserved glutamine residue that is predicted to serve as a third zinc ligand. e ACE2 enzyme is widely distributed on the human cells surface, especially the lungs. ACE2 receptors are also found in the heart, liver, digestive organs and kidneys and endothelial lining of vessels. Northern blot analysis detected high expression of ACE2 in kidney, testis, and heart, and moderate expression in colon, small intestine, and ovary. 4 ACE2 mRNA was found to be expressed widely in human tissues and cells except red blood cells. Highest expression was detected in testis, renal and cardiovascular tissues, and in all portions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the ilium.