is an important protein expressed in several human tissues, such as the heart and kidneys [1]. It plays a key role in the Renin-Angiotensin System - "RAS" - by catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin II (Ang II), promoting blood pressure regulation [2].
Another function of ACE2 is related to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, ACE2 serves as the entry receptor for the virus [3].
Structure information
The ACE2 protein gene has 40 kb and 18 exons. Its protein has 805 amino acids with a molecular weight of 120 kDa. Here, we have a view of the . It can be divided into 4 portions: Peptidase Domain (Residues 19–615), Collectrin-like Domain (Residues 616–740), Transmembrane Domain (Residues 741–761) and Intracellular C-terminal Tail (Residues 762–805), from N-terminal to C-terminal.
The is responsible for the enzymatic activity of ACE2. This domain can be divided in two subdomains: (residues 19–400) and (residues 401–615). Together, they form a substrate-binding cleft, where is located the , denominated HEXXH+E zinc-binding motif. Within this site, a zinc-ion is associated with the residues His374, His378, and Glu402, which are going to perform a nucleophilic attack on the peptide bond of the substrate, leading to its cleavage. within each subdomain, composed mainly of nonpolar residues provide tertiary structural stability, maintaining the correct spatial arrangement of catalytic residues. In the animation, we can observe a concentration of the hydrophobic residues towards the center of the molecule, while the polar ones are towards the outside part of the molecule.
Function
Disease
Relevance
Structural highlights
