This gene encodes a member of the carboxylesterase large family. The family members are responsible for the hydrolysis or transesterification of various xenobiotics, such as cocaine and heroin, and endogenous substrates with ester, thioester, or amide bonds. They may participate in fatty acyl and cholesterol ester metabolism, and may play a role in the blood-brain barrier system. The protein encoded by this gene is the major intestinal enzyme and functions in intestine drug clearance. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Oct 2010],catalytic activity:A carboxylic ester + H(2)O = an alcohol + a carboxylate.,function:Involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics and in the activation of ester and amide prodrugs. Shows high catalytic efficiency for hydrolysis of 4-methyumbelliferyl acetate, heroin and 6-monoacetylmorphine.,PTM:Glycosylated.,similarity:Belongs to the type-B carboxylesterase/lipase family.,subunit:Monomer.,tissue specificity:Preferentially expressed in intestine with moderate expression in liver. Within the intestine, highest expression is found in small intestine with lower expression in colon and rectum.,
