mevalonát

Mevalonate, also known as mevalonic acid, is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids. It is a five-carbon molecule and serves as a precursor for a vast array of essential organic compounds found in all living organisms. The mevalonate pathway, which begins with the condensation of acetyl-CoA, is a fundamental metabolic route. In eukaryotes, this pathway occurs primarily in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum. The enzymatic conversion of mevalonate to its activated form, mevalonate-5-phosphate, is a crucial regulatory step, often targeted by statin drugs. These drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for the reduction of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, thereby lowering cholesterol levels. Mevalonate is also a precursor to ubiquinone, a vital component of the electron transport chain, and dolichols, which are involved in protein glycosylation. Its production and subsequent utilization are essential for cellular function, growth, and development. The pathway's significance extends beyond cholesterol synthesis to encompass the production of a diverse range of molecules, including hormones, vitamins, and pigments.