This gene encodes an enzyme involved in catalyzing the
conversion of angiotensin I into a physiologically active peptide
angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasopressor and
aldosterone-stimulating peptide that controls blood pressure and
fluid-electrolyte balance. This enzyme plays a key role in the
renin-angiotensin system. Many studies have associated the presence
or absence of a 287 bp Alu repeat element in this gene with the
levels of circulating enzyme or cardiovascular pathophysiologies.
Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding
different isoforms have been identified, and two most abundant
spliced variants encode the somatic form and the testicular form,
respectively, that are equally active.
