Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (EC 1.14.13.70; UniProt Q16850; also known as CYP51A1, CYPL1, CYPLI, Cytochrome P450 51A1, Cytochrome P450, family 51, subfamily A, polypeptide 1, Cytochrome P450-14DM, Cytochrome P45014DM, Cytochrome P450L1, Cytochrome P450LI, LDM, Sterol 14-alpha demethylase) is encoded by the CYP51A1 (also known as CYP51) gene (Gene ID 1595) in human. Cytochromes P450 (CYP) proteins are primarily membrane-associated oxidases located either in the inner membrane of mitochondria or in the endoplasmic reticulum where they function as the terminal enzymes in electron transfer chains. In addition to processing endogenous substrates, CYPs also function to metabolize exogenous drugs and potentially toxic chemicals. The human CYP superfamily consisits of 57 genes and more than 59 pseudogenes divided into 18 families and 43 subfamilies. CYP51A1 represents the only member of the CYP51 subfamily and is involved in the conversion of lanosterol to 4,4-dimethylcholesta-8(9),14,24-trien-3 -ol. Products generated by the CYP51 reaction are vital intermediates in pathways leading to the formation of cholesterol in humans, ergosterol in fungi, and other types of sterols in plants. Sterols play an important structural role in the regulation of membrane fluidity and permeability, which influence the functions of enzymes, ion channels, and other cell components embedded within.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.