mevalonate transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of mevalonate from one side of a membrane to the other. Mevalonate is the anion of mevalonic acid; its (R)-enantiomer is a strategic intermediate derived from hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA in the biosynthesis of polyprenyl compounds. [GOC:ai, ISBN:0198506732]

Mevalonate transmembrane transporter activity refers to the movement of mevalonate across cellular membranes. Mevalonate is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, isoprenoids, and other essential molecules. Transporters facilitate this movement by binding mevalonate on one side of the membrane and releasing it on the other, often against a concentration gradient, requiring energy input. This activity is crucial for maintaining proper cellular levels of mevalonate and, subsequently, for the synthesis of vital molecules. Specific examples include the MVT (Mevalonate Transporter) in mammals, which plays a role in cholesterol biosynthesis, and the MVA transporter in yeast, which is involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, the fungal equivalent of cholesterol. The precise mechanism of mevalonate transport can vary depending on the specific transporter and organism. However, all mevalonate transmembrane transporters share the fundamental role of facilitating the movement of this essential molecule across cellular membranes.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)