The enantiomer of cholesterol.
Cholesterol plays a variety of significant roles in biological systems. However, the mechanisms by which cholesterol functions remain largely unclear. The enantiomer of cholesterol (ent-cholesterol)--which has identical physical properties, but opposite three-dimensional configuration compared to cholesterol--is a unique tool that can be used to better understand the mechanisms of cholesterol function. We review the literature pertaining to ent-cholesterol, focusing in particular on its use in biological studies.
Westover
E J
EJ
Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Covey
D F
DF
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008956:Models, Chemical; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D002784:Cholesterol