Cloning of Podocyte-Specific hACE2

Abstract

<p>High blood pressure is a widespread issue that can drastically alter the quality of life for those that suffer with it. Human angiotensin converting enzyme 2, or hACE2, is a gene that is believed to lower blood pressure only in podocytes. In order to address the role of podocyte specific ACE2, we created a lentiviral vector that would specifically express in the podocyte following gene targeting and embryo transfer. Expressing this gene only in the podocytes may, in the future, artificially regulate hACE2 expression specifically in the kidney and provide a treatment for those suffering from hypertension.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>