First time at Proteopedia? Click on the green links: they change the 3D image. Click and drag the molecules. Proteopedia is a 3D, interactive encyclopedia of proteins, RNA, DNA and other molecules. With a free user account, you can edit pages in Proteopedia. Visit the Main Page to learn more.

From Proteopedia

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme widely distributed throughout the body in humans, but particularly prevalent in serum, where it occurs as a tetramer of catalytic subunits. It is distinguished from the homologous enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, by its ability to hydrolyze the non-natural substrate butyrylcholine as well as the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Its biological role remains obscure, but mutations in the human BCHE gene result in prolonged post-surgical apnea due to the inability of the mutant BChEs to hydrolyse the local anaesthetic, succinylcholine. BChE finds medical use as a bioscavenger for overcoming organophosphate (OP) nerve agent and insecticide intoxication by interacting rapidly with the toxic agents. Crystal structures of both the native enzyme and of its conjugates with nerve agents are available.

  close all  open all