Summary of BCHE
The BCHE gene encodes the pseudocholinesterase enzyme, also known as butyrylcholinesterase, which is produced by the liver and circulates in the blood. The enzyme is involved in the breakdown of certain drugs and also helps protect the body by breaking down certain toxic substances before they reach the nerves (R).
The Function of BCHE
Esterase with broad substrate specificity. Contributes to the inactivation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Can degrade neurotoxic organophosphate esters.
Protein names
Recommended name:
CholinesteraseAlternative name(s):
Acylcholine acylhydrolaseButyrylcholine esterase
Choline esterase II
Pseudocholinesterase
- RS1523288 (BCHE) ??
- RS1799807 (BCHE) ??
- RS1803274 (BCHE) ??
- RS28933389 (BCHE) ??
- RS28933390 (BCHE) ??
- RS4365667 (BCHE) ??
- RS509208 (BCHE) ??
- RS6445035 (BCHE) ??
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Top Gene-Substance Interactions
BCHE Interacts with These Diseases
Disease | Score |
Substances That Increase BCHE
Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Substances That Decrease BCHE
Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Advanced Summary
pseudocholinesterase deficiency More than 50 mutations in the BCHE gene have been identified in people with pseudocholinesterase deficiency, a condition that results in increased sensitivity to choline esters and certain other drugs. Some of these mutations replace single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the pseudocholinesterase enzyme, resulting in an abnormal enzyme that does not function properly. Other mutations prevent the production of pseudocholinesterase. A lack (deficiency) of functional pseudocholinesterase enzyme impairs the body's ability to break down choline ester drugs efficiently, leading to abnormally prolonged drug effects.
The BCHE gene provides instructions for making the pseudocholinesterase enzyme, also known as butyrylcholinesterase, which is produced by the liver and circulates in the blood. The pseudocholinesterase enzyme is involved in the breakdown of certain drugs, including muscle relaxant drugs called choline esters that are used during general anesthesia. These drugs are given to relax the muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles), including the muscles involved in breathing, and are often employed in emergencies when a breathing tube must be inserted quickly. Pseudocholinesterase also helps protect the body by breaking down certain toxic substances before they reach the nerves. These substances include certain pesticides, poisons that attack the nerves, and specific natural toxins including a compound called solanine found in green potato skin. It is likely that the enzyme has other functions in the body, but these functions are not well understood. Studies suggest that the enzyme may be involved in the transmission of nerve signals.
Conditions with Increased Gene Activity
Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
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Conditions with Decreased Gene Activity
Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
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Technical
The following transcription factors affect gene expression:
Tissue specificity:
Detected in blood plasma (at protein level). Present in most cells except erythrocytes.
Gene Pathways:
Enzyme Regulation:
Inhibited by mercury. Inhibited by Tabun. Tabun forms a covalent adduct with Ser-226 that becomes irreversible upon aging.
Molecular Function:
- Acetylcholinesterase Activity
- Beta-Amyloid Binding
- Catalytic Activity
- Choline Binding
- Cholinesterase Activity
- Enzyme Binding
- Hydrolase Activity, Acting On Ester Bonds
- Identical Protein Binding
Biological Processes:
- Choline Metabolic Process
- Cocaine Metabolic Process
- Learning
- Negative Regulation Of Cell Proliferation
- Negative Regulation Of Synaptic Transmission
- Neuroblast Differentiation
- Response To Alkaloid
- Response To Folic Acid
- Response To Glucocorticoid
Drug Bank:
- Aclidinium
- Ambenonium
- Cinchocaine
- Doxacurium Chloride
- Echothiophate
- Ethopropazine
- Glycine Betaine
- Hexafluronium
- Oxybuprocaine
- Pyridostigmine
- Capsaicin
- Chloroprocaine
- Chlorpromazine
- Choline
- Cisplatin
- Clevidipine
- Cyclopentolate
- Decamethonium
- Demecarium
- Dipivefrin
- Drospirenone
- Edrophonium
- Ephedrine
- Galantamine
- Irinotecan
- Malathion
- Mefloquine
- Mirabegron
- Mivacurium
- Neostigmine
- Pancuronium
- Pegvisomant
- Pentagastrin
- Perindopril
- Pralidoxime
- Procainamide
- Procaine
- Ramipril
- Rivastigmine
- Succinylcholine
- Sulpiride
- Triamcinolone
- Triflupromazine
- Trimethaphan
- Bambuterol
- Chlorphenesin
- Diethylcarbamazine
- Isoflurophate
- Nizatidine
- Pipecuronium
- Terbutaline