Esterase

Updated on Jan 24, 2024

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An esterase is a hydrolase enzyme that splits esters into an acid and an alcohol in a chemical reaction with water called hydrolysis.

A wide range of different esterases exist that differ in their substrate specificity, their protein structure, and their biological function.

EC classification/list of enzymes

Acetylesterase (EC 3.1.1.6), splits off acetyl groups

Cholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase, inactivates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine

Pseudocholinesterase, broad substrate specificity, found in the blood plasma and in the liver

Pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11), clarifies fruit juices

EC 3.1.2: Thiolester hydrolases

Thioesterase

Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1

EC 3.1.3: Phosphoric monoester hydrolases

Phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.x), hydrolyses phosphoric acid monoesters into a phosphate ion and an alcohol

Alkaline phosphatase, removes phosphate groups from many types of molecules, including nucleotides, proteins, and alkaloids.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE), inactivates the second messenger cAMP

cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5, is inhibited by Sildenafil (Viagra)

Fructose bisphosphatase (3.1.3.11), converts fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to fructose-6-phosphate in gluconeogenesis

EC 3.1.4: Phosphoric diester hydrolases

EC 3.1.5: Triphosphoric monoester hydrolases

EC 3.1.6: Sulfuric ester hydrolases (sulfatases)

EC 3.1.7: Diphosphoric monoester hydrolases

EC 3.1.8: Phosphoric triester hydrolases

Exonucleases (deoxyribonucleases and ribonucleases)

EC 3.1.11: Exodeoxyribonucleases producing 5'-phosphomonoesters

EC 3.1.13: Exoribonucleases producing 5'-phosphomonoesters

EC 3.1.14: Exoribonucleases producing 3'-phosphomonoesters

EC 3.1.15: Exonucleases active with either ribo- or deoxy-

Endonucleases (deoxyribonucleases and ribonucleases)

Endodeoxyribonuclease

Endoribonuclease

either deoxy- or ribo-

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