The cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is a crucial metabolic route responsible for the endogenous production of cholesterol, a vital component of cellular membranes, steroid hormones, and bile acids. This complex, multi-step pathway begins with acetyl-CoA and proceeds through the mevalonate pathway, involving key intermediates such as HMG-CoA, mevalonate, and isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). Through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, including condensation, reduction, isomerization, and cyclization steps, cholesterol is ultimately synthesized. This pathway is tightly regulated by enzymes such as HMG-CoA reductase, which serves as a rate-limiting step and is a therapeutic target for statin drugs. Dysregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis is associated with metabolic disorders, highlighting the pathway's clinical relevance.
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