Lanosterol

Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid and is the compound from which all animal and fungal steroids are derived. By contrast plant steroids are produced via cycloartenol.
Role in biosynthesis of other steroids.
Elaboration of lanosterol under enzyme catalysis leads to the core structure of steroids. 14-Demethylation of lanosterol by CYP51 eventually yields cholesterol.
Research.
Lanosterol has been identified as a key component in maintaining eye lens clarity. Pre-clinical research has identified Lanosterol as a possible agent for the reversal and prevention of cataracts. In vivo experiments on dogs showed significant reversal of cataracts within 6 weeks of lanosterol injection. In 2018, Lanosterol was shown to improve lens clarity in subjects with lens clouding due to aging or physical stressors.