HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) (HMG-CoA还原酶)

HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis in the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. HMGCR is found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The phylogenetic analysis has revealed two classes of HMG-CoA reductase, the Class I enzymes of eukaryotes and some archaea and the Class II enzymes of eubacteria and certain other archaea.

Both in eukaryotes and in archaebacteria the enzyme HMGCR is known to catalyze an early reaction unique to isoprenoid biosynthesis. In humans, the HMG-CoA reductase reaction is rate-limiting for the biosynthesis of cholesterol and therefore constitutes a prime target of drugs that reduce serum cholesterol levels.