Esterase

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