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Squalene – biochemistry, molecular biology, process biotechnology, and applications
Author(s) -
Spanova Miroslava,
Daum Günther
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european journal of lipid science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1438-9312
pISSN - 1438-7697
DOI - 10.1002/ejlt.201100203
Subject(s) - squalene , triterpene , squalene monooxygenase , biochemistry , sterol , biology , terpene , biosynthesis , cholesterol , chemistry , enzyme , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Squalene is a natural triterpene and an important intermediate of sterol and hopanoid biosynthesis in various types of cell from bacteria to human. Synthesis and further conversion of squalene are key steps in the metabolism of sterols and related components. Here we summarize the recent knowledge of squalene biochemistry, its molecular properties, and its physiological effects. We compare squalene biosynthetic pathways in different cell types and describe biotechnological strategies to isolate this lipid. Finally, applications of squalene in nutrition, pharmacy, and medicine are discussed.