CYP51A1
Encyclopedia
Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase (or CYP51A1, P45014DM) is a cytochrome P450 (family 51, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) enzyme that converts lanosterol
to cholesterol
.
It is a target for antifungal drugs, inhibiting the production of ergosterol
. Over-expression of CYP51A1 can lead to resistance to these antifungals.
Lanosterol
Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid, which is the compound from which all steroids are derived.-Role in creation of steroids:Elaboration of lanosterol under enzyme catalysis leads to the core structure of steroids. 14-Demethylation of lanosterol by CYP51 eventually yields...
to cholesterol
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a complex isoprenoid. Specifically, it is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes...
.
It is a target for antifungal drugs, inhibiting the production of ergosterol
Ergosterol
Ergosterol is a sterol found in fungi, and named for ergot, a common name for the members of the fungal genus Claviceps from which ergosterol was first isolated. Ergosterol does not occur in plant or animal cells...
. Over-expression of CYP51A1 can lead to resistance to these antifungals.