On the multifunctionality of cholinesterases.

Here we present novel information on non-classical functions of cholinesterases and on a cross-talk linking the two enzymes AChE and BChE. The first part of the article is focussed on the regulation of ChEs and the effects acquired when one of the proteins is knocked down (siRNA for BChE, AChE knock-out mouse). In the second part evidence is presented showing that AChE may exert adhesive properties through its binding to laminin, thus being involved in cell-matrix or cell-cell communication.