Question

Where is the ACE2 protein found? Describe its structure and function.

Describe the type and nature of the weak interactions identified between the RBD and ACE2 proteins.

Answer 1

ACE2 is an enzyme which is encoded by a gene ACE2 also known as Angiotensin converting enzyme and this enzyme is present in the outer surface of lungs, kidney, heart and also intestines.

It is a zinc containing metalloprotein and it is also clasified under the category of type 1 integral membrane proteins. It also contains a 17 amino acid N - terminal signal sequence and a 22 amino acid hydrophobic transmembrane sequence.

ACE2 helps in lowering of blood pressure by catalysing the hydrolysis of angiotensin II ( a vasoconstrictor peptide ) to angiotensin 7 ( a vasodilator ). It plays a key role in regulation of cardiovascular and renal function and because of its such important function, it serves as a target for drugs treating cardiovascular diseases.

A recent hypothesis as proposed by the scientists have shown that the recent Covid 19 outbreak caused by the coronavirus is attacking the human body by its interactions with the ACE2 protein, where the receptor - binding domain (RBD) of the virus binds with the ACE2 protein.Several residue changes in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD stabilize two virus-binding hotspots at the RBD–ACE2 interface. These structural features of Covid RBD increase its ACE2-binding affinity.