JIRCAS, in collaboration with Akita University, Akita Research Institute of Food and Brewing, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation Health and Nutrition, Peptide Institute, Inc. etc. has successfully identified an enzyme in microorganism with similar function to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an enzyme which contributes in regulation of human blood pressure and recovery from heart failure. The enzyme B38-CAP was identified in Paenibacillus sp. B38. Human ACE2 is used to detect components in food that are useful for health. However, mass production of the enzyme is difficult and costly. On the other hand, B38-CAP can be produced easily using the cost-effective E. coli expression system.  Furthermore, as an alternative enzyme to human ACE2, a new method for detecting food functionalities could be established. In addition, injection of B38-CAP into mice has shown effects such as lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms of heart failure, and is therefore expected to have potential as a pharmaceutical for humans and animals.

Authors

T. Minato, S. Nirasawa, T. Sato, T. Yamaguchi, M. Hoshizaki, T. Inagaki, K. Nakahara, T. Yoshihashi, R. Ozawa, S. Yokota, M. Natsui, S. Koyota, T. Yoshiya, K. Yoshizawa-Kumagaye, S. Motoyama, T. Gotoh, Y. Nakaoka, J. M. Penninger, H. Watanabe, Y. Imai, S. Takahashi, K. Kuba

Title

B38-CAP is a bacteria-derived ACE2-like enzyme that suppresses hypertension and cardiac dysfunction

Journal

Nature Communications (2020) DOI:10.1038/s41467-020-14867-z

JIRCAS President: Dr. IWANAGA Masa　
Program Director: Dr. YAMAMOTO Yukiyo
Researchers in charge: Dr. NIRASAWA Satoru (Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division)
Press Coordinator: Dr. YAMASAKI Seishi (Head, Information and Public Relations Office)
E-mail：koho-jircas@ml.affrc.go.jp