Cholesterol and its biosynthesis in normal and malignant lymphocytes
Heiniger, H.J.
Cancer Research 41(9 Pt 2): 3792-3794
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-5472 PMID: 6973393 Document Number: 175967
As information on the role and function of cholesterol in plasma membranes of mammalian cells has been reviewed extensively before, some observations on the regulation of the biosynthesis of cholesterol and its possible significance in immunocompetent cells are briefly summarized. It is suggested that synthesis of cholesterol represents a critical metabolic step for proliferation and, possibly also, differentiation of lymphoid cells such as cytotoxic T-cells. Synthesis of cholesterol is regulated specifically by a feedback mechanism involving oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol. Some of these oxidation products are generated spontaneously from cholesterol, which in itself is not affecting the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.34). It is not known to what extent oxidized derivatives of cholesterol contaminate the human diet. If they do, their effects on the immune system may be significant and further investigations on such minor yet very potent and naturally occurring compounds in the diet are needed to understand the aetiology of several human diseases. These compounds may also be of value in the treatment of some malignant disorders.