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Reviewed April 2012

What is the official name of the BCHE gene?

The official name of this gene is “butyrylcholinesterase.”

BCHE is the gene's official symbol. The BCHE gene is also known by other names, listed below.

Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.

What is the normal function of the BCHE gene?

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.

How are changes in the BCHE gene related to health conditions?

pseudocholinesterase deficiency - caused by mutations in the BCHE gene

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.

Where is the BCHE gene located?

Cytogenetic Location: 3q26.1-q26.2

Molecular Location on chromosome 3: base pairs 165,772,903 to 165,837,471

The BCHE gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 3 between positions 26.1 and 26.2.


More precisely, the BCHE gene is located from base pair 165,772,903 to base pair 165,837,471 on chromosome 3.


Where can I find additional information about BCHE?

You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about BCHE helpful.


What other names do people use for the BCHE gene or gene products?

  • acylcholine acylhydrolase
  • butyrylcholine esterase
  • CHE1
  • choline esterase II
  • cholinesterase
  • cholinesterase 1
  • cholinesterase precursor
  • E1
  • pseudocholinesterase

Where can I find general information about genes?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

What glossary definitions help with understanding BCHE?

acids ; breakdown ; compound ; deficiency ; enzyme ; esters ; gene ; muscle relaxant ; precursor ; protein ; sensitivity ; toxic


See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (8 links)



Reviewed: April 2012
Published: December 22, 2014