Discovery of ACE-2 – main entry receptor for COVID-19 with Professor Anthony J Turner

Professor Turner’s background in biochemistry and research journey from Cambridge to Leeds. • 1:25

Discovery of ACE-2 as the entry receptor for COVID-19 and its significance in the virus’s mechanism. • 1:34

Collaboration and exchange programs between University of Leeds and University of West Indies in Kingston. • 4:28

Initial research focus on proteolytic enzymes and metabolic peptides led to studying ACE and its inhibitors. • 5:59

Investigation into the integration and physiological role of ACE in cellular membranes. • 7:03

ACE-2 enzyme discovered to oppose ACE in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. • 8:01

ACE-2 converts angiotensin II to angiotensin 1-7, maintaining cardiovascular system balance. • 10:53

Surprise finding that ACE-2 functions differently from ACE, leading to new research directions. • 11:26

Pharmaceutical company independently discovers ACE-2 potential for heart disease treatment. • 12:02

Lack of knowledge exchange between academic and pharmaceutical groups on ACE-2 discovery. • 12:42

Publication of ACE-2 discovery in a journal in mid-2000. • 13:13

Discovery of ACE-2 and its role as a viral receptor through enzyme action. • 13:46

Interest in ACE-2 waned after the SARS epidemic until revived by the COVID-19 pandemic. • 17:32

ACE-2 exists in both membrane-bound and soluble forms, with the shed form floating in the bloodstream. • 18:22

ACE-2 receptor binds to viral spike protein, leading to potential autoimmune response. • 19:54

Imbalance in ACE and ACE II enzymes can cause severe cardiovascular effects in COVID-19. • 21:04

Scientific community has rapidly shared knowledge and developed vaccines and therapeutics. • 23:30

Global vaccine rollout progress is at 3.4%, indicating a long road ahead in controlling the pandemic. • 24:41

Expectations for COVID-19 control extend for many years with emphasis on vaccine and therapeutic development. • 25:13

Roll out vaccines widely and update regularly to combat virus variants. • 25:32

Research on therapeutics including new drugs and pre-existing ones like dexamethasone. • 26:02

Global vaccination program needed alongside drug development for effective control. • 27:21

Exploration of drugs interrupting virus signaling cascade for therapeutic benefits. • 28:25

Forty years of direct research experience led to reflection and encouragement of new research directions. • 29:54

Transition from ACE-2 research to dementia due to discovery of enzyme’s role in Alzheimer’s disease. • 31:20

Transition to dementia research was a result of chance discovery of enzyme’s role in Alzheimer’s disease around 2000. • 31:26

Enzymes in the brain metabolize peptides, leading to accumulation of amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer’s disease. • 31:39

ACE and ACE2 enzymes play roles in clearing amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease and as potential decoy therapy for COVID-19. • 32:20

Research on using peptides similar to ACE2 receptor as decoy therapy for COVID-19 to block virus binding. • 33:06

ACE2 plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure and its inactivation by the virus leads to severe effects. • 34:07

Various viruses, including coronaviruses, use ACE2 receptor, highlighting its significance in viral infections. • 35:09

Evolutionarily, viruses use ACE2 receptor due to its convenient docking point and structural advantage. • 36:34

Global pandemic may lead to positive changes in environmental awareness and practices, with potential long-term benefits. • 37:42

Importance of treating the environment to prevent virus mutation between species. • 37:49

Hope for leaders to invest in science and global cooperation for better pandemic preparedness. • 38:09

Optimistic outlook on pandemic leading to positive changes in the world’s direction. • 38:45

Emphasis on handling the world’s resources more fairly as a humanity. • 39:10

Acknowledgment of differing perspectives on positive influences post-pandemic. • 39:28

Plans for future conversations with experienced scientists on their opinions. • 39:56

Closing remarks and gratitude for viewers, with a focus on bringing more scientists for discussions. • 40:10