Desmosterol and DHCR24: Unexpected new directions for a terminal step in cholesterol synthesis

Publication date: October 2013 Source:Progress in Lipid Research, Volume 52, Issue 4 Author(s): Eser J. Zerenturk , Laura J. Sharpe , Elina Ikonen , Andrew J. Brown 3β-Hydroxysterol Δ24-reductase (DHCR24) catalyzes the conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol. This ultimate step of cholesterol biosynthesis appears to be remarkable in its diverse functions and the number of diseases it is implicated in from vascular disease to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. This review summarizes the present knowledge on the DHCR24 gene, sterol Δ24-reductase protein and the regulation of both. In addition, the functions of desmosterol, DHCR24 and their roles in human diseases are discussed. It is apparent that DHCR24 exerts more complex effects than what would be expected based on the enzymatic activity of sterol Δ24-reduction alone, such as its influence in modulating oxidative stress. Increasing information about DHCR24 membrane association, processing, enzymatic regulation and interaction partners will provide further fundamental insights into DHCR24 and its many and varied biological roles.
Source: Progress in Lipid Research - Category: Lipidology Source Type: research