Squalene Synthase - Histology

What is Squalene Synthase?

Squalene synthase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of steroids. It catalyzes the first committed step in the sterol biosynthetic pathway, converting two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) into squalene, a key precursor of cholesterol and other sterols.

Where is Squalene Synthase Located?

In the context of histology, squalene synthase is predominantly found in the endoplasmic reticulum of cells. It is especially abundant in tissues with high rates of cholesterol synthesis, such as the liver and adrenal glands.

What is the Importance of Squalene Synthase in Histology?

Squalene synthase is essential for the production of cholesterol, which is crucial for maintaining cell membrane integrity and fluidity. It also plays a role in the synthesis of steroid hormones, which are vital for various physiological processes. Understanding the histological distribution of squalene synthase helps in diagnosing and treating metabolic and endocrine disorders.

How is Squalene Synthase Studied in Histology?

Histological techniques such as immunohistochemistry and Western blotting are commonly used to study the expression and localization of squalene synthase. Antibodies specific to squalene synthase can be used to stain tissue sections, allowing for visualization under a microscope.

What Conditions are Associated with Abnormal Squalene Synthase Activity?

Abnormal activity or expression of squalene synthase can lead to various diseases. Overactivity can contribute to hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, while underactivity may result in disorders like Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, characterized by deficient cholesterol synthesis.

Can Squalene Synthase be a Therapeutic Target?

Yes, squalene synthase is a potential therapeutic target for treating hypercholesterolemia and other lipid disorders. Inhibitors of squalene synthase, such as lapaquistat, have been investigated for their ability to lower cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Squalene synthase is a pivotal enzyme in the sterol biosynthetic pathway, with significant implications in health and disease. Histological studies of squalene synthase can provide valuable insights into its role in various tissues and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Relevant Publications

Sustainable biosynthesis of squalene from waste cooking oil by the yeast .

Issue Release: 2024

Transcriptomic Analysis Under Drought and Salt Stress Provides Insight into Genes Putatively Involved in Ginsenoside Biosynthesis in Panax japonicus Meyer.

Issue Release: 2024

Discovery of Novel 11-Membered Templates as Squalene Synthase Inhibitors.

Issue Release: 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi Killing and Immune Response Boosting by Novel Phenoxyhydrazine-Thiazole against Chagas Disease.

Issue Release: 2024

Genome-wide identification of oxidosqualene cyclase genes regulating natural rubber in Taraxacum kok-saghyz.

Issue Release: 2024

Integrating QTL mapping and transcriptomics to decipher the genetic architecture of sterol metabolism in L.

Issue Release: 2024

In Silico Analysis of Selected Mikania Constituents As Human HMG-CoA Reductase, Human Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, and Human Squalene Synthase Inhibitory Agents.

Issue Release: 2024

Carvacrol as a Stimulant of the Expression of Key Genes of the Ginsenoside Biosynthesis Pathway and Its Effect on the Production of Ginseng Saponins in Hairy Root Cultures.

Issue Release: 2024

Terpenoid balance in unveiled by heterologous squalene synthase expression.

Issue Release: 2024

The Promiscuity of Squalene Synthase-Like Enzyme: Dehydrosqualene Synthase, a Natural Squalene Hyperproducer?

Issue Release: 2024

The effect of hydroxychloroquine on cholesterol synthesis depends on the profile of cholesterol metabolism. A controlled clinical study.

Issue Release: 2024

High-level biosynthesis of enantiopure germacrene D in yeast.

Issue Release: 2024

Intramembrane protease SPP defines a cholesterol-regulated abundance control of the mevalonate pathway enzyme squalene synthase.

Issue Release: 2024

Uptake and accumulation of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in a soil-ginseng system and toxicological mechanisms on ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer).

Issue Release: 2024

Toxic eburicol accumulation drives the antifungal activity of azoles against Aspergillus fumigatus.

Issue Release: 2024

In vitro and in silico investigation of effects of antimicrobial peptides from Solanaceae plants against rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctinia solani.

Issue Release: 2024

Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for high-level production of (+)-ambrein from glucose.

Issue Release: 2024

Breeding a new strain with increased contents of individual ganoderic acids by mono-mono crossing of genetically modified monokaryons.

Issue Release: 2024

Transcriptomic data reveals the dynamics of terpenoids biosynthetic pathway of fenugreek.

Issue Release: 2024

Enhancement of production of glycoalkaloids by elicitors along with characterization of gene expression of pathways in Solanum xanthocarpum.

Issue Release: 2024

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