![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/PBB_Protein_ACHE_image.jpg/640px-PBB_Protein_ACHE_image.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Acetylcholinesterase
Primary cholinesterase in the body / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"ACHE" redirects here. For other uses, see Ache.
Not to be confused with Cholinesterase or Choline acetyltransferase.
Acetylcholinesterase (HGNC symbol ACHE; EC 3.1.1.7; systematic name acetylcholine acetylhydrolase), also known as AChE, AChase or acetylhydrolase, is the primary cholinesterase in the body. It is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine and some other choline esters that function as neurotransmitters:
- acetylcholine + H2O = choline + acetate
Quick Facts Identifiers, EC no. ...
acetylcholinesterase | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Acetylcholinesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to acetate ion and choline | |||||||||
Identifiers | |||||||||
EC no. | 3.1.1.7 | ||||||||
CAS no. | 9000-81-1 | ||||||||
Databases | |||||||||
IntEnz | IntEnz view | ||||||||
BRENDA | BRENDA entry | ||||||||
ExPASy | NiceZyme view | ||||||||
KEGG | KEGG entry | ||||||||
MetaCyc | metabolic pathway | ||||||||
PRIAM | profile | ||||||||
PDB structures | RCSB PDB PDBe PDBsum | ||||||||
Gene Ontology | AmiGO / QuickGO | ||||||||
|
Close
Quick Facts ACHE, Available structures ...
Close
It is found at mainly neuromuscular junctions and in chemical synapses of the cholinergic type, where its activity serves to terminate synaptic transmission. It belongs to the carboxylesterase family of enzymes. It is the primary target of inhibition by organophosphorus compounds such as nerve agents and pesticides.