lanosterol
Sign in to saveLanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid and is the compound from which all animal and fungal steroids are derived. By contrast, plant steroids are produced via cycloartenol. In the eyes of vertebrates, lanosterol is a natural constituent, having a role in maintaining health of the lens. Lanosterol is the precursor to cholesterol.
Article
4 sectionsContents
- Biosynthesis
- Research as an eye drop supplement
- See also
- References
Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid and is the compound from which all animal and fungal steroids are derived. By contrast, plant steroids are produced via cycloartenol. In the eyes of vertebrates, lanosterol is a natural constituent, having a role in maintaining health of the lens. Lanosterol is the precursor to cholesterol.
==Biosynthesis== The biosynthesis of lanosterol has been intensively investigated. {| class="wikitable" ! Description !! Illustration !! Enzyme |- | Two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate condense with reduction by NADPH to form squalene || 400px || squalene synthase |- | Squalene is oxidized to 2,3-oxidosqualene (squalene epoxide) || 400x400px || squalene monooxygenase |- | 2,3-Oxidosqualene is converted to a protosterol cation and finally to lanosterol || 400px || lanosterol synthase |- | (step 2) || 400px || (step 2) |}