In biotin labeling studies, an amine-specific biotinylated agent, biotin N-hydroxyl-succinimide ester (NHS-Biotin; Sigma, USA), was dissolved in DMSO. Before adding biotin, the pH of the ACE2 protein solution was adjusted to 9 with 0.1 M carbonate buffer. 1 mg of ACE2 protein and 125 µg of biotin were combined and incubated at room temperature for 4 h. By overnight dialyzing against PBS, unreacted biotin was removed from the mixture.