C-5 sterol desaturase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: 5,7,24(28)-ergostatrienol + O2 + NADPH = 5,7,22,24(28)-ergostatetraenol + 2 H2O + NADP+. [MetaCyc:RXN3O-227]

C-5 sterol desaturase activity is a crucial enzymatic process involved in the biosynthesis of sterols, a class of lipids essential for various biological functions. This enzymatic activity is primarily catalyzed by the C-5 sterol desaturase enzyme, a member of the cytochrome P450 family. The primary function of C-5 sterol desaturase is to introduce a double bond between carbons 5 and 6 in the sterol molecule. This desaturation reaction is a key step in the conversion of lanosterol, a precursor sterol, to cholesterol, the most abundant sterol in animal cells. The introduction of the double bond at the C-5 position significantly alters the physical and chemical properties of the sterol molecule, affecting its ability to interact with other molecules and to function within cellular membranes. Furthermore, C-5 sterol desaturase activity is crucial for the synthesis of other important sterols, including ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes, and sitosterol, a plant sterol that plays a role in plant growth and development. In summary, C-5 sterol desaturase activity is an indispensable process for the synthesis of a wide range of sterols that are essential for various biological functions in animals, fungi, and plants.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (4)