Biochemistry and Function of Sterols

by Edward J. Parish, W. David Nes

Overview

Leading international scientists bring current and developing topics in sterol research together in Biochemistry and Function of Sterols. The authors are experts in each major area of sterol research-medicine, biochemistry, chemistry, and agriculture. Each chapter features the current state of research as well as new and developing research topics. Throughout the volume the focus is on the major and expanding areas of sterol biochemistry and function of sterols in all classes or organisms. The broad scope of this work embraces many disciplines and will be of interest to a variety of researchers, students, and lay people. Professors will find Biochemistry and Function of Sterols an excellent choice as a textbook for courses on steroid, lipid, or plant biochemistry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781000142143
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	11/25/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Edward J. Parish and W. David Nes

Table of Contents

Inhibitors of 2,3-Oxidosqualene Cyclase as Tools for Studying the Mechanism and Function of the Enzyme, Aromatase Inhibitors, Variability of Metabolism and Function of Sterols in Insects, Oxysterols and Apoptosis: Evidence for Gene Regulation Outside the Cholesterol Pathway, Tracing Steroid Synthesis in Plants, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Sterol Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 19-Noraldosterone, Enzymology of Phytosterol Transformations, Isoprenoid Biosynthesis in Plants: Carbon Partitioning Within the Cytoplasmic Pathway, Mevalonate Biosynthesis in Plants, Lanosterol Analogs: Dual-Action Inhibitors of Cholesterol Biosynthesis, Biochemistry and Function of Nematode Steroids, Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Putative Role of Ecdysteroids in Plants, Regulation of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Activity by Side-Chain Oxysterols and Their Derivatives, Biological Effects of Brassinosteroids, Vitamin D: A Hormonal Regulator of the cAMP Signaling Pathway, Protein Isoprenylation in Plants, Chemical Modulation of Activity in Steroidal Estrogens, Use of Sterol Mutants as Probes for Sterol Functions in the Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Integration of the Metabolic Pathways of Steroids, Carotenoids, and Retinoids, Index

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

This book highlights recent advances in the biochemistry of sterols and is composed of short review chapters written by specialists in various aspects of this field. A variety of structural and functional topics in sterol biochemistry in microbes, insects, mammals, and plants are included. The apparent goal is to bring specialists up-to-date in the field of sterol research. Each chapter appears to reflect the contributor's particular interest and as such, the information presented is somewhat narrowly focused. Rather than providing a broad overview of each topic, the information is selective. Interest in this book will probably be short-lived given the rapid pace of research in this area. On the other hand, each of these review chapters will be of value to those desiring an update on topics under investigation at the present time. It also will be a useful resource for those who wish to understand details of the less traveled pathways of sterol metabolism in plants and animals. Most of the contributions tend toward the chemistry and enzymology of sterols rather than, for example, their physical role in biological membranes or even broad biological issues such as cholesterol homeostasis. The chapters underscore the breadth and complexity of this field and the richness of comparative studies of widely-divergent organisms. Some recurrent topics include: inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis (of obvious medical interest); oxysterols as physiological and pathological effectors; steroid derivatives of sterols; and the metabolism of mevalonate, isoprenoids, and other small molecules related to the pathway of sterol biosynthesis. There is no introductory overview chapter and no ostensiblelink between the chapters. Many of the contributions have limited reference lists (around 50 citations is typical). This makes them idiosyncratic rather than even-handed. In this regard, the title of the book could mislead some readers, since it suggests that topics of broad general interest will be discussed. However, an abundance of review articles and monographs already exist which complement the book. Adding to the value of the book is a detailed index and clear illustrations.

Yvonne Lange

Reviewer: Yvonne Lange, PhD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This book highlights recent advances in the biochemistry of sterols and is composed of short review chapters written by specialists in various aspects of this field. A variety of structural and functional topics in sterol biochemistry in microbes, insects, mammals, and plants are included.
Purpose: The apparent goal is to bring specialists up-to-date in the field of sterol research. Each chapter appears to reflect the contributor's particular interest and as such, the information presented is somewhat narrowly focused. Rather than providing a broad overview of each topic, the information is selective.
Audience: Interest in this book will probably be short-lived given the rapid pace of research in this area. On the other hand, each of these review chapters will be of value to those desiring an update on topics under investigation at the present time. It also will be a useful resource for those who wish to understand details of the less traveled pathways of sterol metabolism in plants and animals.
Features: Most of the contributions tend toward the chemistry and enzymology of sterols rather than, for example, their physical role in biological membranes or even broad biological issues such as cholesterol homeostasis. The chapters underscore the breadth and complexity of this field and the richness of comparative studies of widely-divergent organisms. Some recurrent topics include: inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis (of obvious medical interest); oxysterols as physiological and pathological effectors; steroid derivatives of sterols; and the metabolism of mevalonate, isoprenoids, and other small molecules related to the pathway of sterol biosynthesis.
Assessment: There is no introductory overview chapter and no ostensible link between the chapters. Many of the contributions have limited reference lists (around 50 citations is typical). This makes them idiosyncratic rather than even-handed. In this regard, the title of the book could mislead some readers, since it suggests that topics of broad general interest will be discussed. However, an abundance of review articles and monographs already exist which complement the book. Adding to the value of the book is a detailed index and clear illustrations.

Doody's Review Service