Lanosterol


Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid and is the compound from which all animal and fungal steroids are derived. By contrast plant steroids are produced via cycloartenol.

Role in biosynthesis of other steroids

Elaboration of lanosterol under enzyme catalysis leads to the core structure of steroids. 14-Demethylation of lanosterol by CYP51 eventually yields cholesterol.
, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, geranyl pyrophosphate, and squalene shown. Some intermediates are omitted.

Biosynthesis