Expression Difference Analysis of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Gene in Different Tissues of Domestic Cats

PurposeTo analyze the relative expression level of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene in different tissues of domestic cats and the protein localization in specific tissues, providing the theoretical basis for the prevention and control of diseases with ACE2 gene as the receptor.

MethodsqRT-PCR technology was used to test the relative mRNA expression level of ACE2 gene in eight domestic cat tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, pancreas, small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes), and the tissue localization of ACE2 protein in the kidney, pancreas and small intestine was tested by immunohistochemistry.

ResultsThe expressions of ACE2 gene in kidney, pancreas and small intestine tissues were extremely significantly higher than in lung tissue (P<0.01), while the expressions in heart, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes were extremely significantly lower than in lung tissue (P<0.01). There were differences of ACE2 expression between different sexes, but the differences were not significant; ACE2 protein was the highest in small intestine, followed by kidney and the lowest in pancreas.

ConclusionThe ACE2 gene of domestic cat is widely distributed in various tissues and there are some differences in expression.