CES3

Carboxylesterase 3 (CES3), also known as hCE-3, is a serine hydrolase that catalyzes ester and amide bond hydrolysis in endogenous lipids (e.g., triglycerides) and exogenous ester-prodrugs. It modulates drug bioavailability and efficacy, and participates in lipid homeostasis pathways regulating cholesterol ester metabolism.
Dysregulated CES3 is linked to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its variable activity contributes to inter-individual drug response differences, making it a personalized medicine target. Ongoing research explores CES3 inhibitors to regulate lipid metabolism and optimize ester prodrug pharmacokinetics, with preclinical progress but limited clinical applications so far.