ACAN: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker (G176)

Target Name: ACAN

NCBI ID: G176

ACAN: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker

ACAN, or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), is a protein that is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines. It is a key enzyme in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance, and is involved in the breakdown of angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and raise blood pressure.

Recent studies have identified ACAN as a potential drug target for various conditions, including heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. By blocking the action of ACAN, drugs can be developed that can improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

One of the main benefits of targeting ACAN is its potential to improve treatment outcomes in conditions where blood pressure is already high. For example, in heart failure, ACAN is known to be involved in the regulation of the heart muscle's contractility, and blockages in the ACAN gene have been shown to contribute to the development of this condition. By targeting ACAN, drugs can improve heart function and reduce the risk of complications.

In hypertension, ACAN is thought to regulate the body's sensitivity to blood pressure. High levels of ACAN have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, and blockages in the ACAN gene have been shown to contribute to the development of this condition. Targeting ACAN with drugs has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving treatment outcomes in hypertension.

In addition to its potential to improve blood pressure, ACAN is also a potential biomarker for several diseases. For example, ACAN is often elevated in the blood of people with heart disease, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Similarly, high levels of ACAN have been shown to be associated with the development of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer.

Targeting ACAN with drugs has the potential to be a highly effective way to treat a range of conditions. By blocking the action of ACAN, drugs can improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while also providing valuable insights into the biology of this protein and its role in disease.

Overall, ACAN is a protein that has the potential to be a drug target and biomarker for a range of conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand its role in disease and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: Aggrecan

Functions: This proteoglycan is a major component of extracellular matrix of cartilagenous tissues. A major function of this protein is to resist compression in cartilage. It binds avidly to hyaluronic acid via an N-terminal globular region

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