Recombinant Human Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51A1), Truncated

Uniprot Id

Q16850

Target Species

Human

Target Name

CYP51A1

Target Full Name

Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase

Target Function

A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in sterol biosynthesis. Catalyzes 14-alpha demethylation of lanosterol and 24,25-dihydrolanosterol likely through sequential oxidative conversion of 14-alpha methyl group to hydroxymethyl, then to carboxylaldehyde, followed by the formation of the delta 14,15 double bond in the sterol core and concomitant release of formic acid. Mechanistically, uses molecular oxygen inserting one oxygen atom into a substrate, and reducing the second into a water molecule, with two electrons provided by NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR; NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase).

Target Subcellular Location

Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Single-pass membrane protein. Microsome membrane; Single-pass membrane protein.

Target Protein Families

Cytochrome P450 family

Target Tissue Specificity

Ubiquitously expressed with highest levels in testis, ovary, adrenal, prostate, liver, kidney and lung.

Target Synonyms

CYP51A1; CYP51; Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase; LDM; CYPLI; Cytochrome P450 51A1; Cytochrome P450-14DM; Cytochrome P45014DM; Cytochrome P450LI; Sterol 14-alpha demethylase

Target Background

This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This endoplasmic reticulum protein participates in the synthesis of cholesterol by catalyzing the removal of the 14alpha-methyl group from lanosterol. Homologous genes are found in all three eukaryotic phyla, fungi, plants, and animals, suggesting that this is one of the oldest cytochrome P450 genes. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.