HMG-CoA Reductase

HMG-CoA reductase is the most important regulatory enzyme for the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and other isoprenoids/terpenoids. HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the reaction that follows:

> HMG-CoA + 2 NADPH + H+ <=> Mevalonate + CoASH + 2 NADP+

HMG-CoA reductase is a target for drugs that attempt to lower cholesterol levels in the body. One such drug is lovastatin, which inhibits the enzyme and stops endogenous synthesis of cholesterol

See also: Cholesterol Biosynthesis, Figure 19.18, Figure 19.19, Protein Kinase C

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Sterol Biosynthesis

> 2. Terpenoid Biosynthesis