Sterol 14-Demethylase

**Definition:** An NADPH-dependent P450 enzyme that plays an essential role in the sterol biosynthetic pathway by catalyzing the demethylation of 14-methyl sterols such as lanosterol. The enzyme acts via the repeated hydroxylation of the 14-methyl group, resulting in its stepwise conversion into an alcohol, an aldehyde and then a carboxylate, which is removed as formic acid. Sterol 14-demethylase is an unusual cytochrome P450 enzyme in that it is found in a broad variety of organisms including ANIMALS; PLANTS; FUNGI; and protozoa.

**Tree numbers:** - D08.244.453.878.500 - D08.244.453.915.880 - D08.811.682.690.708.170.499.500 - D08.811.682.690.708.170.915.880 - D12.776.422.220.453.878.500 - D12.776.422.220.453.915.880

**Synonyms:** - Sterol 14-Demethylases - Sterol 14-alpha-Demethylase - Lanosterol 14 alpha-Demethylase - Eburicol 14 alpha-Demethylase - Eburicol 14alpha-Demethylase - Obtusifoliol 14alpha-Demethylase - Cytochrome P-450 CYP51 - CYP51 Cytochrome P-450