HMG-CoA reductase, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, is a crucial enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and other molecules in the body.
It is primarily found in the liver, but it is also present in other tissues.
The main function of HMG-CoA reductase is to catalyze the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is a key building block in the production of cholesterol.
This enzyme is responsible for the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body by controlling its synthesis.
When cholesterol levels are low, the activity of HMG-CoA reductase increases in order to increase cholesterol production.
On the other hand, when cholesterol levels are high, the activity of this enzyme decreases to limit the synthesis of new cholesterol.
Pharmaceutical drugs called statins are commonly prescribed to inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase.
By blocking this enzyme, statins effectively reduce cholesterol production in the liver and help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Statins have been widely used to manage high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
This enzyme is required for the isoprenoid pathway needed for the synthesis of ubiquinol, a form coenzyme Q, involved in cellular energy, production, and post-translational protein prenylation, essential for the cell membrane, attachment and function of many signaling proteins, such as Ras and Rho families, crucial for cell adhesion and migration, respectively.
This enzyme also reduces inflammation and enhances, vascular function, as well is responsible for some undesirable effects, such as elevated blood sugar, and myopathy.