carboxyesterase

Carboxylesterase is a diverse group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds in various carboxylic acid esters. These enzymes are found in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria and plants to mammals. In mammals, carboxylesterases are particularly abundant in the liver, but they are also present in other tissues such as the intestines, kidneys, and lungs. The primary role of carboxylesterases is to metabolize xenobiotics, which are foreign compounds introduced into the body, including drugs, pesticides, and environmental toxins. This metabolic activity is crucial for detoxification and elimination of these substances.

The activity of carboxylesterases is essential for the proper functioning of various biological processes. They are involved in the activation and inactivation of prodrugs, which are inactive precursors that are converted into active drugs within the body. For example, some chemotherapy agents are prodrugs that require carboxylesterase hydrolysis for their therapeutic effect. Conversely, these enzymes can also deactivate drugs, contributing to their rapid clearance from the body and influencing their duration of action.

Beyond drug metabolism, carboxylesterases play a role in the metabolism of endogenous compounds, such as fatty acid esters and retinoids. Their involvement in these pathways highlights their broad physiological significance. Due to their critical role in drug metabolism and detoxification, carboxylesterases are of significant interest in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in understanding drug efficacy, toxicity, and inter-individual variability in drug response.