title: ACE2, a new regulator of the renin-angiotensin system.
abstract: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc metalloproteinase and a key regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). ACE2 is a newly described enzyme identified in rodents and humans with a more restricted distribution than ACE, and is found mainly in heart and kidney. ACE2 cleaves a single residue from angiotensin I (Ang I) to generate Ang 1-9, and degrades Ang II, the main effector of the RAS, to the vasodilator Ang 1-7. The importance of ACE2 in normal physiology and pathophysiological states is largely unknown. ACE2 might act in a counter-regulatory manner to ACE, modulating the balance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators within the heart and kidney, and playing a significant role in regulating cardiovascular and renal function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg Heights 3081, Australia. l.burrell@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Louise M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Burrell
authors.forename: Colin I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tikellis
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; D000818:Animals; D002268:Carboxypeptidases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000201:enzymology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D002268:Carboxypeptidases; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; C000705307:ACE2 protein, human; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2