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Squalene monooxygenase

Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens


Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens

FieldValue
NameSqualene epoxidase
EC_number1.14.13.132
CAS_number9029-62-3
GO_code0004506
imageSqualene_epoxide_biosynthesis.png
width292px
captionChemical reaction catalyzed by squalene epoxidase.

Squalene monooxygenase (also called squalene epoxidase) is a eukaryotic enzyme that uses NADPH and diatomic oxygen to oxidize squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene (squalene epoxide). Squalene epoxidase catalyzes the first oxygenation step in sterol biosynthesis and is thought to be one of the rate-limiting enzymes in this pathway. In humans, squalene epoxidase is encoded by the SQLE gene. Several eukaryote genomes lack a squalene monooxygenase encoding gene, but instead encode an alternative squalene epoxidase that performs the same task.

Mechanism

The canonical squalene monooxygenase is a flavoprotein monooxygenase. Flavoprotein monooxygenase form flavin hydroperoxides at the enzyme active site, which then transfer the terminal oxygen atom of the hydroperoxide to the substrate. Squalene monooxygenase differs from other flavin monooxygenases in that the oxygen is inserted into the substrate as an epoxide rather than as a hydroxyl group. This enzyme contains a loosely bound FAD flavin and obtains electrons from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, rather than binding NADPH directly. The alternative squalene epoxidase belongs to the fatty acid hydroxylase superfamily and obtains electrons from cytochrome b5.

Inhibitors

Inhibitors of squalene epoxidase have found application mainly as antifungal drugs:

  • butenafine
  • naftifine
  • terbinafine

Since squalene epoxidase is on the biosynthetic pathway leading to production of cholesterol, inhibitors of this enzyme may also find application in treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Localization

In baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), squalene epoxidase is localized to both the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Only the ER localized protein is active.

Additional products

Squalene epoxidase also catalyzes the formation of diepoxysqualene (DOS). DOS is converted to 24(S),25-epoxylanosterol by lanosterol synthase.

References

References

  1. "Entrez Gene: SQLE squalene epoxidase".
  2. (Aug 1997). "Localization of the squalene epoxidase gene (SQLE) to human chromosome region 8q24.1". Genomics.
  3. (2019). "A widespread alternative squalene epoxidase participates in eukaryote steroid biosynthesis". Nature Microbiology.
  4. (Feb 1996). "Characterization of squalene epoxidase activity from the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum and its inhibition by terbinafine and other antimycotic agents". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
  5. (Feb 1992). "Terbinafine: mode of action and properties of the squalene epoxidase inhibition". The British Journal of Dermatology.
  6. (Jan 2003). "Squalene epoxidase as hypocholesterolemic drug target revisited". Progress in Lipid Research.
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