DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME

Molecular, biochemical, and evolutionary studies indicate that somatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is developmentally regulated in a tissue-specific manner. However, many important questions remain unan swered. For example, the regulatory mechanisms that control the cell- and stage-specific expression of ACE remain largely unknown. The natur e, location, and role of the enzyme involved in the release of plasma membrane-anchored ACE have not been elucidated. Although the expressio n and localization of ACE are developmentally regulated, the physiolog ical implications of these changes in segmental nephron differentiatio n remain to be elucidated. Investigations of the cellular and molecula r mechanisms mediating the developmental co-regulation of the renin-an giotensin and Kallikrein-kinin system by ACE are a formidable challeng e for future research.