Esterase D pseudogene

The esterase D pseudogene (ENSG00000257146) is a non-functional DNA segment in the human genome that closely resembles the gene encoding esterase D, but cannot produce an active or functional esterase D protein. Pseudogenes arise from genes that have lost their ability to encode functional proteins due to accumulated mutations, deletions, or loss of regulatory elements. While some pseudogenes can play roles in RNA-level regulation or act as decoys for microRNAs, the vast majority—including this one—do not play established, direct roles in cellular processes, disease, or as therapeutic targets. Pseudogenes are often considered genomic "fossils" or "junk" DNA, though some may have uncharacterized functions in gene regulation[1][3].