For the month of February, we are happy to feature our ACE and ACE2 ELISA kits!
Angiotensin-converting enzyme is majorly known for its role in the renin-angiotensin system. This system controls blood pressure via regulation of fluid volume in the body. It converts angiotensin I to its active form: angiotensin II. Angiotensin II acts as a vasoconstrictor, ultimately increasing blood pressure (2018). ACE is most commonly located in lung capillaries, and less commonly found in endothelial and kidney epithelial cells (Kierszenbaum, 2007). Other than its role in blood pressure maintenance, ACE aids in the degradation of bradykinin, substance P, and amyloid beta-protein (Fillardi, 2015).
Browse our ACE ELISA kits here!
Angiotensin I converting enzyme II is a transmembrane protein on the surface of cells located in the lungs, arteries, heart, kidneys, and intestines (Hamming et al., 2004). ACE2 lowers blood pressure via catalyzing the hydrolysis of angiotensin II into angiotensin (1-7) (Keidar, Kaplan, & Gamliellazarovich, 2007).
ACE2 has been a popular point of discussion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as ACE2 serves as the entry point for the virus to enter the cell (NCBI, 2021). The spike S1 protein of SARS-CoV viruses bind to ACE2 on the surface of cells, resulting in endocytosis and translocation of the virus and enzyme (Millet & Whittaker, 2018).
Browse our ACE2 ELISA kits here!
References and further reading:
Fillardi, P. (2015). ACEi and ARBS in Hypertension and Heart Failure (Vol. 5, pp. 10-13). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
Kaplan's essentials of Cardiac Anesthesia. (2018). doi:10.1016/c2012-0-06151-0
Keidar, S., Kaplan, M., & Gamliellazarovich, A. (2007). Ace2 of the heart: From angiotensin i to angiotensin (1–7). Cardiovascular Research,73(3), 463-469. doi:10.1016/j.cardiores.2006.09.006
Kierszenbaum, A. L. (2007). Histology and cell biology: An introduction to pathology. Mosby Elsevier.
Hamming, I., Timens, W., Bulthuis, M., Lely, A., Navis, G., & Van Goor, H. (2004). Tissue distribution OF ACE2 protein, the functional receptor for SARS CORONAVIRUS. a first step in UNDERSTANDING SARS PATHOGENESIS [Abstract]. The Journal of Pathology, 203(2), 631-637. doi:10.1002/path.1570
Millet, J. K., & Whittaker, G. R. (2018). Physiological and molecular triggers for sars-cov membrane fusion and entry into host cells. Virology, 517, 3-8. doi:10.1016/j.virol.2017.12.015
NCBI. (2021, February 6). ACE2 angiotensin converting enzyme 2 [Homo Sapiens (human)] - gene - NCBI. Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/g...