Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ingrid Fleming

Publications and source records attributed to Ingrid Fleming.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenase gene function in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling.

We assessed pulmonary cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase expression and activity during hypoxia and explored the effects of modulating epoxygenase activity on pulmonary hypertension. The acute hypoxic vasoconstrictor response was studied in Swiss Webster mice, who express CYP2C29 in their lungs. Animals were pretreated with vehicle, the epoxygenase inhibitor (N-methylsulfonyl-6-[2-propargyloxyphenyl] hexanamide) or an inhibitor of the soluble epoxide hydrolase. Whereas the epoxygenase inhibitor attenuated hypoxic pulmonary constriction (by 52%), the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor enhanced the response (by 39%), indicating that CYP epoxygenase-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids elicit pulmonary vasoconstriction. Aerosol gene transfer of recombinant adenovirus containing the human CYP2C9 significantly elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure and total pulmonary resistance indices, both of which were sensitive to the inhibitor sulfaphenazole. The prolonged exposure of mice to hypoxia increased CYP2C29 expression, and transcript levels increased 5-fold after exposure to normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 0.07) for 2 hours. This was followed by a 2-fold increase in protein expression and by a significant increase in epoxyeicosatrienoic acid production after 24 hours. Chronic hypoxia (7 days) elicited pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling, effects that were significantly attenuated in animals continually treated with N-methylsulfonyl-6-[2-propargyloxyphenyl] hexanamide (-46% and -55%, respectively). Our results indicate that endogenously generated epoxygenase products are associated with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in mice and that selective epoxygenase inhibition significantly reduces acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling. These observations indicate potential novel targets for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and highlight a pivotal role for CYP epoxygenases in pulmonary responses to hypoxia.

Adenoviridae↗

Endothelium-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and vascular function.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are epoxides of arachidonic acid generated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases. The activation of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is an important step in the NO and prostacyclin-independent vasodilatation of several vascular beds, and EETs have been identified as an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. However, EETs also exert membrane potential-independent effects and modulate several signaling cascades that affect endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the role of CYP-derived EETs in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses and highlights the evidence indicating that EETs are important second messengers involved in endothelial cell signaling pathways related to angiogenesis.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) dimerization is the initial step in the ACE inhibitor-induced ACE signaling cascade in endothelial cells.

The binding of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to ACE initiates a signaling cascade that involves the phosphorylation of the enzyme on Ser1270 as well as activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and leads to alterations in gene expression. To clarify how ACE inhibitors activate this pathway, we determined their effect on the ability of the enzyme to dimerize and the role of ACE dimerization in the initiation of the ACE signaling cascade. In endothelial cells, ACE was detected as a monomer as well as a dimer in native gel electrophoresis and dimerization/oligomerization was confirmed using the split-ubiquitin assay in yeast. ACE inhibitors elicited a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in the dimer/monomer ratio that correlated with that of the ACE inhibitorinduced phosphorylation of ACE. Cell treatment with galactose and glucose to prevent the putative lectin-mediated self-association of ACE or with specific antibodies shielding the N terminus of ACE failed to affect either the basal or the ACE inhibitor-induced dimerization of the enzyme. In ACE-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells, ACE inhibitors elicited ACE dimerization and phosphorylation as well as the activation of JNK with similar kinetics to those observed in endothelial cells. However, these effects were prevented by the mutation of the essential Zn2+-complexing histidines in the C-terminal active site of the enzyme. Mutation of the N-terminal active site of ACE was without effect. Together, our data suggest that ACE inhibitors can initiate the ACE signaling pathway by inducing ACE dimerization, most probably via the C-terminal active site of the enzyme.

Androstadienes↗

The tissue renin-angiotensin system and intracellular signalling.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The renin-angiotensin system is not what it was, or for that matter not necessarily where we thought it should be. For example, there is a novel angiotensin I-metabolizing enzyme that generates angiotensin 1-7 rather than angiotensin II. Moreover, we are slowly realizing the importance of local rather than circulating angiotensin II. RECENT FINDINGS: Rather than concentrating on the systemic renin-angiotensin system, recent work has concentrated on elucidating the consequences of increasing angiotensin II production within specific organs, such as the heart and vasculature, as well as in the pancreas and in adipose tissue. Inhibition of angiotensin II production either using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers not only reverses remodelling but also increases tissue insulin sensitivity. Targeting the renin-angiotensin system clinically delays the onset of type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms involved are not clearly understood. Moreover, at least one other angiotensin-converting enzyme homologue (ACE2) plays a significant role in the regulation of heart and kidney function, and as it generates angiotensin 1-7 from angiotensin I, it is proposed to counteract the detrimental effects associated with the activation of the classic renin-angiotensin system. SUMMARY: There is a need to re-evaluate the role(s) played by the molecular components of the "extended" local renin-angiotensin system and their role in vascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Angiotensin II↗

From endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to angiogenesis: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and cell signaling.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are generated from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases. The expression of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is determined by a number of physical (fluid shear stress and cyclic stretch) and pharmacological stimuli as well as by hypoxia. The activation of CYP epoxygenases in endothelial cells is an important step in the nitric oxide and prostacyclin (PGI2)-independent vasodilatation of several vascular beds and EETs have been identified as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). However, in addition to regulating vascular tone, EETs modulate several signaling cascades and affect cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Signaling molecules modulated by EETs include tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A (PKA), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and several transcription factors. This review summarizes the role of CYP-derived EETs in cell signaling and focuses particularly on their role as intracellular amplifiers of endothelial cell hyperpolarization as well as in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The angiogenic properties of CYP epoxygenases and CYP-derived EETs implicate that these enzymes may well be accessible targets for anti-angiogenic as well as angiogenic therapies.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases 2C8 and 2C9 are implicated in hypoxia-induced endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis.

Recent studies suggest that cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) elicit cell proliferation and promote angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of CYP 2C8/9-derived EETs in the process of angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions. In human endothelial cells, hypoxia enhanced the activity of the CYP 2C9 promoter, increased the expression of CYP 2C mRNA and protein and augmented 11,12-EET production. In Transwell assays, the migration of endothelial cells pre-exposed to hypoxia to increase CYP expression was abolished by CYP 2C antisense oligonucleotides as well as by the CYP inhibitor MS-PPOH and the EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (EEZE). Similar findings were obtained in porcine coronary artery endothelial cells. CYP 2C9 overexpression in endothelial cells increased the association of PAK-1 with Rac, a response also elicited by the CYP 2C9 product 11,12-EET. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity was increased in CYP-2C9-overexpressing cells and correlated with increased invasion through Matrigel-coated Transwell chambers: an effect sensitive to the CYP 2C9 inhibitor sulfaphenazole as well as to EEZE and the MMP inhibitor GM6001. In in vitro angiogenesis models, the EET antagonist inhibited tube formation induced by CYP 2C9 overexpression as well as that in endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia to increase CYP 2C expression. Furthermore, in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, EEZE abolished hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Taken together, these data indicate that CYP 2C-derived EETs significantly affect the sequence of angiogenic events under hypoxic conditions.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Gab1, SHP2, and protein kinase A are crucial for the activation of the endothelial NO synthase by fluid shear stress.

Fluid shear stress enhances NO production in endothelial cells by a mechanism involving the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the phosphorylation of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). We investigated the role of the scaffolding protein Gab1 and the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in this signal transduction cascade in cultured and native endothelial cells. Fluid shear stress elicited the phosphorylation and activation of Akt and eNOS as well as the tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1 and its association with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and SHP2. Overexpression of a Gab1 mutant lacking the pleckstrin homology domain abrogated the shear stress-induced phosphorylation of Akt but failed to affect the phosphorylation or activity of eNOS. The latter response, however, was sensitive to a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Mutation of Gab1 Tyr627 to phenylalanine (YF-Gab1) to prevent the binding of SHP2 completely prevented the shear stress-induced phosphorylation of eNOS, leaving the Akt response intact. A dominant-negative SHP2 mutant prevented the activation of PKA and phosphorylation of eNOS without affecting that of Akt. Moreover, shear stress elicited the formation of a signalosome complex including eNOS, Gab1, SHP2 and the catalytic subunit of PKA. In isolated murine carotid arteries, flow-induced vasodilatation was prevented by a PKA inhibitor as well as by overexpression of either the YF-Gab1 or the dominant-negative SHP2 mutant. Thus, the shear stress-induced activation of eNOS depends on Gab1 and SHP2, which, in turn, regulate the phosphorylation and activity of eNOS by a PKA-dependent but Akt-independent mechanism.

Acetylcholine↗

Mechanisms of increased vascular superoxide production in an experimental model of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying increased oxidative stress in vascular tissue in an experimental animal model of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) was measured in vessels from cardiomyopathic hamsters (CHF hamsters) and golden Syrian hamsters. We also determined expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOSIII), the soluble guanylyl cyclase, the cGMP-dependent kinase, and the NADPH oxidase. To analyze the contribution of the renin-angiotensin system to oxidative stress, CHF hamsters were treated with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril for 200 days (120 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1)). CHF led to increased superoxide production by NOSIII and the NADPH oxidase. Decreased NO production in CHF was associated with a decrease in the expression of NOSIII and an inhibition of NO downstream signaling in the aorta. NOSIII expression was increased within the left ventricle. Captopril treatment normalized NOSIII expression in vessels and the myocardium, reduced superoxide levels, and prevented NOSIII uncoupling. Accordingly, endothelial function, NO production, and downstream signaling were improved in CHF vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress in CHF is mediated by NADPH oxidase and an uncoupled NOSIII secondary to an activation of the renin-angiotensin system leading to impaired NO downstream signaling.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Signaling via the angiotensin-converting enzyme results in the phosphorylation of the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA.

The phosphorylation of the short C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the somatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is involved in the regulation of enzyme shedding. We determined whether the phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of ACE (ACEct) on Ser1270 regulates the cleavage/secretion of the enzyme by affecting its association with other proteins. ACE was associated with beta-actin and the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA (MYH9) in endothelial cells, as determined by coimmunoprecipitation experiments as well as an ACEct affinity column. The ACE-associated MYH9 immunoprecipitated from (32)P-labeled endothelial cells was basally phosphorylated and cell stimulation with ACE inhibitors, or with bradykinin, increased the phosphorylation of MYH9. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) but not protein kinase C phosphorylated MYH9 in vitro, CK2 coprecipitated with MYH9 from endothelial cells and the phosphorylation of MYH9 in intact cells paralleled the phosphorylation of ACE on Ser1270 by CK2. The CK2 inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole attenuated the phosphorylation of ACE and MYH9, disrupted their association, and enhanced the cleavage/secretion of ACE from the plasma membrane. Cytochalasin D decreased the interaction between ACE and MYH9 and stimulated ACE shedding. Although MYH9 was still able to associate with residual amounts of a nonphosphorylatable S1270A ACE mutant, no ACE inhibitor-induced increase in MYH9 phosphorylation could be detected in S1270A-expressing cells. These data indicate that the interaction of ACE with MYH9 determines ACE shedding and is modulated by phosphorylation processes. Furthermore, because ACE inhibitors affect the phosphorylation of MYH9, the phosphorylation of this class II myosin might contribute to the phenomenon of ACE signaling in endothelial cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Role of PECAM-1 in the shear-stress-induced activation of Akt and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells.

The application of fluid shear stress to endothelial cells elicits the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and phosphorylation of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Shear stress also elicits the enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of endothelial proteins, especially of those situated in the vicinity of cell-cell contacts. Since a major constituent of these endothelial cell-cell contacts is the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) we assessed the role of PECAM-1 in the activation of eNOS. In human endothelial cells, shear stress induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1 and enhanced the association of PECAM-1 with eNOS. Endothelial cell stimulation with shear stress elicited the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS as well as of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). While the shear-stress-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1 as well as the serine phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS were abolished by the pre-treatment of cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP1 the phosphorylation of AMPK was unaffected. Down-regulation of PECAM-1 using a siRNA approach attenuated the shear-stress-induced phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS, as well as the shear-stress-induced accumulation of cyclic GMP levels while the shear-stress-induced phosphorylation of AMPK remained intact. A comparable attenuation of Akt and eNOS (but not AMPK) phosphorylation and NO production was also observed in endothelial cells generated from PECAM-1-deficient mice. These data indicate that the shear-stress-induced activation of Akt and eNOS in endothelial cells is modulated by the tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1 whereas the shear-stress-induced phosphorylation of AMPK is controlled by an alternative signaling pathway.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Endothelial aging.

Aging is considered to be the major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and, therefore, for coronary artery disease. Apart from age-associated remodeling of the vascular wall, which includes luminal enlargement, intimal and medial thickening, and increased vascular stiffness, endothelial function declines with age. This is most obvious from the attenuation of endothelium-dependent dilator responses, which is a consequence of the alteration in the expression and/or activity of the endothelial NO synthase, upregulation of the inducible NO synthase, and increased formation of reactive oxygen species. Aging is also associated with a reduction in the regenerative capacity of the endothelium and endothelial senescence, which is characterized by an increased rate of endothelial cell apoptosis.

Aged↗

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein increases superoxide production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase by inhibiting PKCalpha.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) increases superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) production by the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). We assessed whether the uncoupling of eNOS was associated with alterations in eNOS phosphorylation and/or the assembly of the eNOS signaling complex. METHODS AND RESULTS: In unstimulated human endothelial cells, eNOS Thr(495) was constitutively phosphorylated. ox-LDL, but not native LDL, enhanced the production of O(2)(-) by endothelial cells, an effect that was partially sensitive to NOS inhibition. ox-LDL, but not native LDL, induced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in the phosphorylation of eNOS on Thr(495). Protein kinase C (PKC) has been reported to phosphorylate this residue, and the increase in the phosphorylation of Thr(495) induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was attenuated in cells pretreated with ox-LDL. Moreover, the phosphorylation and activity of PKCalpha was attenuated by ox-LDL and paralleled the changes in eNOS phosphorylation. ox-LDL also induced the dissociation of eNOS from the plasma and Golgi membranes. In COS-7 cells, a T495A eNOS mutant generated significantly more O(2)(-) than a T495D mutant did, indicating that the dephosphorylation of Thr(495) alone can increase O(2)(-) production by eNOS. However, although the dephosphorylation of Thr(495) in histamine-stimulated endothelial cells enhanced the binding of calmodulin to eNOS, calmodulin no longer bound to eNOS from ox-LDL-treated endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a decrease in the activity of PKCalpha in ox-LDL-treated endothelial cells is associated with the dephosphorylation of eNOS, dissociation of the eNOS signaling complex, and the enhanced production of eNOS-derived O(2)(-).

Animals↗

Soluble epoxide hydrolase is a main effector of angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) metabolizes vasodilatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to their di-hydroxy derivatives. We hypothesized that the metabolism of EETs by the sEH contributes to angiotensin II-induced hypertension and tested the effects of a water-soluble sEH inhibitor, 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido) dodecanoic acid (AUDA) on blood pressure. AUDA (130 microg/mL in drinking water) did not affect blood pressure in normotensive animals but markedly lowered it in mice with angiotensin II-induced hypertension (1 mg/kg per day). The effect of AUDA was accompanied by an increase in urinary salt and water excretion. Intravenous application of AUDA (8 mg/kg) acutely lowered blood pressure and heart rate in animals with angiotensin II-induced hypertension but failed to affect blood pressure in animals with phenylephrine-induced hypertension (29 mg/kg per day). AUDA (0.1 micromol/L) selectively lowered vascular resistance in an isolated perfused kidney preparation from angiotensin II-pretreated mice but not from control mice. In the perfused hind limb and in isolated carotid arteries from angiotensin II-treated mice, AUDA was without effect. The omega-hydroxylase inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide, which attenuates formation of the potent vasoconstrictor 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, decreased tone in carotid arteries from angiotensin II-treated but not from control mice. These data demonstrate that the decrease in blood pressure observed after sEH inhibition in angiotensin II-induced hypertension can be attributed to an initial reduction in heart rate followed by pressure diuresis resulting from increased perfusion of the kidney. Direct vasodilatation of resistance arteries in skeletal muscles does not appear to contribute to the antihypertensive effects of sEH inhibition in mice.

Adamantane↗

The synthesis of 20-HETE in small porcine coronary arteries antagonizes EDHF-mediated relaxation.

OBJECTIVE: Exogenous application of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) to small (300-500 microm) porcine coronary arteries elicits contraction by activating the Rho kinase and increasing the sensitivity of contractile proteins to Ca2+. Here, we determined whether 20-HETE is involved in the regulation of coronary artery tone as well as its role in the modulation of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated responses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Small porcine coronary arteries expressed cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4A, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis, and generated 20-HETE. Moreover, 20-HETE production was increased two- and threefold over basal levels in response to isometric stretch or the thromboxane analogue U46619, respectively, and was inhibited by the CYP 4A inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS). In vascular reactivity studies, DDMS attenuated U46619-induced contractions and induced a concentration-dependent but endothelium-independent relaxation of precontracted arterial rings. Endogenously generated 20-HETE significantly inhibited the EDHF-mediated relaxation of coronary arteries, which was potentiated by the phospholipase A2 inhibitors AACOCF3 and ONO-RS-082, as well as by the omega-hydroxylase inhibitors 17-octadecynoic acid and DDMS. EDHF-mediated relaxation was not affected by either the nonselective epoxygenase inhibitors miconazole and clotrimazole or the CYP 2C inhibitor sulfaphenazole but was abolished by the Na-K-ATPase inhibitor, ouabain. Exogenous application of 20-HETE inhibited EDHF-mediated relaxations and caused a concomitant increase in the phosphorylation of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha). This effect was reversed by the PKC inhibitor Ro-318220 and mimicked by the PKC activator phorbol-12 myristate 13-acetate. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that vascular tone in small porcine coronary arteries is partly determined by the endogenous production of 20-HETE. In addition, 20-HETE functionally antagonizes EDHF-mediated relaxation via a PKCalpha-dependent mechanism, probably involving the inhibition of the Na-K-ATPase.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Nitric oxide- and EDHF-mediated arteriolar tone in uremia is unaffected by selective inhibition of vascular cytochrome P450 2C9.

BACKGROUND: Uremia is a state of endothelial dysfunction as demonstrated by a reduced agonist-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Recent studies suggest that an endothelial cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase (CYP 2C9) can modulate endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in two different ways: (1) by the production of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which elicit hyperpolarization and relaxation; and (2) by the release of oxygen-derived free radicals, which compromise the bioavailability of nitric oxide. We therefore determined whether one of these pathways is involved in endothelial dysfunction of uremia. METHODS: Using venous occlusion plethysmography, we measured forearm blood flow (FBF) in response to the intrabrachial infusion of acetylcholine (ACh; endothelium-dependent vasodilator; 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 300 nmol/min) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; endothelium-independent vasodilator; 2.5, 5 and 10 microg/min) in 10 stable patients on hemodialysis (HD) and 9 healthy control subjects. In HD patients, ACh infusions were repeated together with sulfaphenazole (SPZ, 6 mg/min), a highly selective inhibitor of CYP 2C9 with and without concomitant blockade of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by N(omega)monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA, 16 microumol/min). RESULTS: Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to ACh was reduced in HD compared to control subjects (P= 0.002), indicating endothelial dysfunction in the patients examined. Endothelium-independent vascular responses to SNP were attenuated in HD, but not significantly different to control. SPZ failed to modulate both baseline FBF and Ach-induced vasodilatation in HD. Furthermore, SPZ had no effect on baseline FBF and ACh-mediated vasodilatation in the presence of L-NMMA in HD. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support a major role for CYP 2C9-derived products in the regulation of arteriolar tone in early endothelial dysfunction of uremic subjects.

Acetylcholine↗

New fACEs to the renin-angiotensin system.

Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) protects against the progression of several cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence suggests that some of the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors can be attributed to the activation of a distinct ACE signaling cascade rather than to the changes in angiotensin II and bradykinin levels. Moreover, at least one other ACE homolog (ACE2) plays a significant role in the regulation of heart and kidney function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗