New cardiovascular and pulmonary therapeutic strategies based on the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/mas receptor axis.
Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is now recognized as a biologically active component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The discovery of the angiotensin-converting enzyme homologue ACE2 revealed important metabolic pathways involved in the Ang-(1-7) synthesis. This enzyme can form Ang-(1-7) from Ang II or less efficiently through hydrolysis of Ang I to Ang-(1-9) with subsequent Ang-(1-7) formation. Additionally, it is well established that the G protein-coupled receptor Mas is a functional ligand site for Ang-(1-7). The axis formed by ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas represents an endogenous counter regulatory pathway within the RAS whose actions are opposite to the vasoconstrictor/proliferative arm of the RAS constituted by ACE/Ang II/AT(1) receptor. In this review we will discuss recent findings concerning the biological role of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas arm in the cardiovascular and pulmonary system. Also, we will highlight the initiatives to develop potential therapeutic strategies based on this axis.
Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31.270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Anderson J
AJ
Ferreira
Tatiane M
TM
Murça
Rodrigo A
RA
Fraga-Silva
Carlos Henrique
CH
Castro
Mohan K
MK
Raizada
Robson A S
RA
Santos