Angiotensin-converting enzyme

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE, ) is an exopeptidase.

Functions

It has two primary functions:

• it catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
• it is involved in the inactivation of bradykinin, a potent vasodilator.

These two actions of ACE make it an ideal target in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inhibition of ACE (by ACE inhibitors) results in decreased formation of Angiotensin II (a far more potent vasoconstrictor than Angiotensin I) and decreased inactivation of bradykinin.

Synonyms

ACE is also known as:

• peptidyl dipeptidase A
• carboxycathepsin
• kininase II (kinin-kallikrein system)
• CD 143
• ACE1

Genetics

The ACE gene, ACE, encodes 2 isozymes. The somatic isozyme is expressed in many tissues, mainly in the lung, including vascular endothelial cells, epithelial kidney cells, and testicular Leydig cells, whereas the germinal is expressed only in sperm.

See also

• Renin-angiotensin system
• ACE inhibitors

References

Further reading

External links