Exploring the C-domain inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme through novel bradykinin potentiating peptides

Background: Proline-rich oligopeptides (PRO) presenting antihypertensive effects have been found in snake venoms. They can be selective to the C-terminal domain of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) binding site and quite potent competitive inhibitors regarding the angiotensin I cleavage, as well. The main structural features of PRO ligands comprise: a pyroglutamyl residue at the N-terminal portion, a high content of proline residues, and the tripeptide Ile-Pro-Pro at the C-terminal moiety.