Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid which is the compound from which all steroids are derived. Lanosterol is biochemically synthesized starting from acetyl-CoA by the HMG-CoA reductase pathway. The critical step is the enzymatic conversion of the acyclic terpene squalene to the polycylic lanosterol via 2,3-squalene oxide. Further elaboration under enzyme catalysis leads to the core structure of steroids.

External links

Terpenes and terpenoids | Alcohols

ラノステロール