The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme family of dipeptidyl carboxydipeptidases and has considerable homology to human angiotensin 1 converting enzyme. This secreted protein catalyzes the cleavage of angiotensin I into angiotensin 1-9, and angiotensin II into the vasodilator angiotensin 1-7. The organ- and cell-specific expression of this gene suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function, as well as fertility. In addition, the encoded protein is a functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of the human coronaviruses SARS and HCoV-NL63. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

ACE2: Carboxypeptidase which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin 1-9, a peptide of unknown function, and angiotensin II to angiotensin 1-7, a vasodilator. Also able to hydrolyze apelin- 13 and dynorphin-13 with high efficiency. May be an important regulator of heart function. In case of human coronaviruses SARS and HCoV-NL63 infections, serve as functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of both coronaviruses. Interacts with ITGB1. Interacts with SARS-CoV and HCoV- NL63 spike glycoprotein. Up-regulated in failing heart. Expressed in endothelial cells from small and large arteries, and in arterial smooth muscle cells. Expressed in lung alveolar epithelial cells, enterocytes of the small intestine, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Expressed in heart, kidney, testis, and gastrointestinal system. Activated by chloride and fluoride, but not bromide. Inhibited by MLN-4760, cFP_Leu, and EDTA, but not by the ACE inhibitors linosipril, captopril and enalaprilat. Belongs to the peptidase M2 family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: EC 3.4.17.23; Membrane protein, integral; Protease

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: Xp22

Cellular Component: extracellular space; cell surface; cytoplasm; integral to membrane; extracellular region; plasma membrane; lipid raft

Molecular Function: peptidyl-dipeptidase activity; viral receptor activity; protein binding; metallopeptidase activity; zinc ion binding; carboxypeptidase activity; peptide hormone binding; endopeptidase activity; glycoprotein binding

Biological Process: virion attachment, binding of host cell surface receptor; entry of virus into host cell; maternal process involved in pregnancy; regulation of vasodilation; proteolysis; angiotensin maturation; regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by renin-angiotensin; regulation of cytokine production; regulation of cell proliferation; cellular protein metabolic process; regulation of vasoconstriction; regulation of inflammatory response; angiotensin catabolic process in blood; receptor biosynthetic process; angiotensin mediated drinking behavior