2,3-Oxidosqualene
-2,3-Oxidosqualene is an intermediate in the synthesis of the cell membrane sterol precursors lanosterol and cycloartenol, as well as saponins. It is formed when squalene is oxidized by the enzyme squalene monooxygenase. 2,3-Oxidosqualene is the substrate of various oxidosqualene cyclases, including lanosterol synthase, which produces lanosterol, a precursor to cholesterol.
The stereoisomer 2,3--oxidosqualene is an inhibitor of lanosterol synthase.
