Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Human carboxylesterase 2 (hCE-2) recognizes a substrate with a large alcohol group and small acyl group. Its substrate specificity may be restricted by a capability of acyl-hCE-2 conjugate formation due to the presence of conformational interference in the active site pocket. Carboxylesterases catalyze the biotransformation of several ester-containing drugs and prodrugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (temocarpil, cilazapril), anti-tumor drugs (capecitabin) and narcotics.

Member of a serine esterase family that hydrolyze ester and amide bonds. Carboxylesterase 2 is an endoplasmic reticulum-bound hydrolase that plays a critical role in xenobiotic detoxification and activation for ester-containing therapeutics. Carboxylesterase 2 is also involved in the detoxification of drugs such as heroin and cocaine. This enzyme is thought to play a role in lipid metabolism.

Physical form

Supplied as a solution containing sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and 20% glycerol.

Unit Definition

One unit will cause the hydrolysis of 1 picomole of p-nitrophenylacetate per minute at pH 7.5 at 25 deg C.