Cocaine esterase

Function

Cocaine esterase (CocE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the benzoyl ester of cocaine to ecgonine methyl ester and benzoic acid. CocE contains 3 domains. Domain 1 contains the catalytic triad: Ser, Asp and His typical of the hydrolase family. Domains 2 and 3 are involved in substrate recognition. CocE is produced by bacteria which thrive in soil of cocaine-producing plants. These bacteria use cocaine as their sole source of carbon and nitrogen.

Relevance

CocE is being investigated as a possible therapeutic agent for treatment of cocaine abuse.