Cat No.
NATE-0092
Description
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a serine hydrolase that is structurally similar to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differs in substRate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities. BChE can, unlike AChE, efficiently hydrolyze larger esters of choline such as butyrylcholine and benzoylcholine. The enzyme is a tetrameric glycoprotein with four equal subunits (110 kDa each). The enzyme is activated by Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the activity is constant over the pH range 6.0-8.0. It is inhibited by Betaine, nicotine, organophosphates, carbamates.
Abbr
BCHE, Native (Equine)
Alias
BCHE; BuChE
Source
Equine serum
Species
Equine
Form
lyophilized powder; Highly purified; contains buffer salts
Enzyme Commission Number
EC 3.1.1.8
Bio-activity
Type 1, > 10 units/mg protein; Type 2, > 500 units/mg protein; Type 3, > 300 units/mg protein; Type 4, > 900 units/mg protein
CAS No.
9001-08-5
Molecular Mass
Mr ~440 kDa
Unit Definition
One unit will hydrolyze 1.0 μmole of butyrylcholine to choline and butyrate per min at pH 8.0 at 37°C. The activity obtained using butyrylcholine as substrate is ~2.5 times that obtained using acetylcholine.
Applications
Butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum has been used in a microcalorimetric study of the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase by paraoxon. This enzyme has also been used in a study to investigate the synthesis and inhibition of cholinergic enzymes. Selective inhibition of BChE activity can be used in the detection of organophosphates. Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has shown clinical potential, as there is a correlation between the blood level of BChE in humans and the degree of protection against toxic nerve agents. There has also been an interest in the roles of cholinesterases with regard to Alzheimer’s disease. Investigations into selective inhibitors may provide a clearer picture of the physiological role of BChE in both healthy and diseased individuals. This product has been used for the screening of cholineesterase inhibitors in selected fruits and vegetables, for restoring cognitive function and improving memory. It has also been used to develop a butyrylcholinesterase and choline oxidase immobilized bio-sniffer for the detection of nicotine. Nicotine inhibits BChE activity. A decrease in the byproducts of BChE activity reflects the volume of nicotine.
Gene Name
BCHE
Synonyms
Butyrylcholinesterase; BCHE; BuChE; pseudocholinesterase; plasma cholinesterase; EC 3.1.1.8; 9001-08-5; Acylcholine acyl-hydrolase; Choline esterase; butyryl
GeneID
100033901
mRNA Refseq
NM_001081850.1
Protein Refseq
NP_001075319.1
UniProt ID
Q9N1N9
Chromosome Location
19
Function
These findings show that BCHE can hydrolyze 2-Arachidonoylglycerol which may be evidence of a more specific role for BCHE in endocannabinoid regulation. Data indicate that polyproline peptides of various lengths and sequences are included in the tetramer structure of butyrylcholinesterase, and the function of these polyproline peptides is to serve as tetramer-organizing peptides. proline-rich peptides organize the 4 subunits of BChE into a 340 kDa tetramer, by interacting with the C-terminal BChE tetramerization domain
