Role of ionic interactions in cholinesterase catalysis

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (ACNE, EC 3.1.1.7) is an enzyme terminating the transmission of nerve impulse in synapses by rapid and selective hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Recent years have added a considerable amount of structural knowledge about this protein as well as opened new perspectives to the study of the molecular mechanism of cholinesterase catalysis. In this paper the current state of understanding the molecular recognition by cholinesterases is critically surveyed with particular emphasis on the role of electrostatic interactions.