Angiotensin II Converting Enzyme Activity Assay

Angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE2) is part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It plays a pivotal role in both blood pressure regulation and entry of coronavirus. It cleaves Angiotensin II converting it into Angiotensin 1-7. Whereas Angiotensin II is a vasoconstritor, Angiotensi 1-7 is a vasodilator, so the action of ACE-2 can exert significant control over blood pressure. ACE2 is a known receptor of human coronaviruses, such as SARS. It is a cell-surface protein, expressed in vascular endothelial cells of lung, kidney and heart. ACE2 is a possible therapeutic target for cardiovascular and coronavirus-induced diseases. AkrivisBio’s ACE2 Activity Assay is a simple sensitive means of monitoring ACE-2 activity. We utilize a synthetic peptide substrate which releases MCA upon ACE2 based cleavage. A specific ACE-2 inhibitor is included allowing for differentiation of ACE2 activity from other proteolytic activities which may recognize the peptide substrate.