The Human ACE2 gene encodes a carboxypeptidase that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin-(1-9), a peptide with vasodilatory properties. ACE2 is also a functional receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19. The interaction between ACE2 and the virus spike protein is a key step in the viral entry process.
The HeLa cell line, derived from human cervical cancer, is a versatile model for studying gene expression and cellular processes. By stably expressing the human ACE2 gene, the HeLa cell line becomes an important tool for investigating the role of ACE2 in viral entry and pathogenesis. This cell line is also valuable for testing the efficacy of antiviral agents and for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to ACE2, a cell surface receptor. Since stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is a top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, we report here the S-nitrosylation of several proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the receptor for viral entry, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This reaction inhibits the binding of ACE2 to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which in turn inhibits viral entry, infectivity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, amino adamantane compounds block coronavirus ion channels formed by envelope (E) protein. In light of this, they created dual-mechanism amino adamantane nitrate compounds, which are non-toxic and active in vitro and in vivo in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model. These compounds inhibit viral entry and thereby spread infection by S-nitrosylating ACE2 via targeted delivery of the drug after E-protein channel blockade.
Figure 1. When evaluating SNOC's effects on cell lines, the researchers found that it might raise ACE2's S-nitrosylation and prevent it from binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The biotin-switch assay was used to examine the cell lysates of HeLa-ACE2 cells that had been treated with SNOC. Furthermore, upon incubation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, HeLa and HeLa-ACE2 cells exposed to SNOC demonstrated decreased binding of Spike protein, as demonstrated by a fluorescence intensity experiment. (Oh CK, et al., 2023)
The Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa is a cell line derived from human cervical cancer cells that has been genetically modified to express the ACE2 gene. This cell line has become critical in the study of COVID-19, as ACE2 is the primary receptor used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter human cells.
(1)COVID-19 Research and Drug Discovery:
The ACE2 Stable Cell Line is pivotal in researching the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and in the discovery of drugs that can prevent or treat the disease. By using these cells, scientists can study the interaction between the virus and its human host receptor, leading to the development of antiviral drugs that target this interaction. Additionally, these cells are used to test the efficacy of potential vaccines by evaluating their ability to prevent viral entry into host cells.
(2) Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions:
Beyond COVID-19, the ACE2 Stable Cell Line is used to understand how other pathogens interact with their human hosts. By expressing human ACE2, these cells can model the initial stages of infection for a variety of pathogens, providing valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutic targets.
(3)Cell Signaling and Pathway Analysis:
The ACE2 gene is also involved in various physiological processes beyond viral entry. The HeLa ACE2 Stable Cell Line can be used to study the role of ACE2 in cellular signaling, particularly in the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Researchers can use these cells to investigate the effects of ACE2 on these pathways and their implications in cardiovascular diseases and other conditions.
Customer Q&As
How does the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa facilitate the investigation of ACE2's role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and its implications in cardiovascular diseases?
A: The cell line stably expresses the ACE2 gene, which is a key component of the RAAS. By studying the function of ACE2 in these cells, researchers can better understand its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, which is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
In the context of COVID-19 research, how can the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa be used to study the virus's entry mechanism into human cells and identify potential antiviral targets?
A: The cell line can be utilized to investigate the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its human host receptor, ACE2. By examining this interaction, researchers can identify potential points of intervention to block viral entry, leading to the development of new antiviral strategies.
What are the potential applications of the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa in understanding the physiological functions of ACE2 beyond its role in viral entry, such as in the regulation of the immune response?
A: The cell line can be used to study the diverse physiological roles of ACE2, including its involvement in the immune response and the modulation of inflammation. This can provide insights into how ACE2 influences immune cell function and contributes to the regulation of inflammatory processes.
How can the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa contribute to the development of gene therapies targeting the ACE2 gene for the treatment of diseases like hypertension and heart failure?
A: By providing a model system for studying the effects of modulating ACE2 expression, the cell line can aid in the development of gene therapies that target the ACE2 gene. This can help researchers test the efficacy and safety of such therapies for treating conditions related to the RAAS.
What role can the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa play in the study of ACE2 polymorphisms and their association with disease susceptibility and progression?
A: The cell line can be used to model different ACE2 polymorphisms and investigate their impact on cellular function and disease susceptibility. This can help researchers understand how genetic variations in the ACE2 gene influence individual responses to diseases and potential therapeutic outcomes.
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High ACE2 expression
The Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa is engineered to ensure high levels of ACE2 expression. This is crucial for research studies focusing on the interaction between human cells and the novel coronavirus, as ACE2 is the main receptor for the virus entry into cells. High expression levels provide a consistent and reliable model for studying virus-host interactions and assessing potential therapies.
Reproducible results
Consistency is key in scientific research, and the Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa offers reproducible results due to its genetic stability. This stable expression ensures that experiments can be repeated with the same expected outcomes, which is essential for validating studies and developing therapeutics.
Ready-to-use format
This cell line comes in a ready-to-use format, significantly reducing preparation time for us. The Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa eliminates the need for lengthy cell culture setup procedures, allowing for immediate commencement of experimental protocols, which accelerates the research process.
Versatile application
The Human ACE2 Stable Cell Line - HeLa can be used across a wide range of biomedical applications, including virology, immunology, and toxicology. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for us looking to explore ACE2's role in different scientific contexts, enhancing its utility in diverse research settings.
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