Catalyzes the conversion of (3S)-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) to mevalonic acid, the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol and other isoprenoids, thus plays a critical role in cellular cholesterol homeostasis ( , ). HMGCR is the main target of statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs ( ).
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Peroxisome membrane
Ubiquitously expressed with the highest levels in the cerebellum, fetal brain, testis, skin and adrenal gland.
Detected in the cerebellum, fetal brain, testis and adrenal gland.
Low abundance except in skin, esophagus, and uterine cervix.