Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE1) is a zinc-dependent peptide carboxypeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, removing a carboxy-terminal dipeptide. ACE is a part of the renin/angiotensin system. It also degrades bradykinin and other vasoactive peptides. Chronic activation of the ACE/AngII/AT1 receptor axis favors adiposity, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.. ACE inhibitors result in a decrease in sodium retention, aldosterone secretion, sympathetic activation and vascular remodeling. They also result in enhanced glucose disposal partly via IRS-1 phosphorylation, PI3K activity and increased GLUT4. Pharmacologically, ACE inhibitors are used for hypertension, and resulting heart failure, stroke, etc. AkrivisBio’s ACE1 Inhibitor Screening kit is a simple way to evaluate compounds for their effect on ACE1 enzyme activity.
