27-Hydroxycholesterol: Molecular Insights into a Pivotal Oxysterol

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) an oxysterol, with a role in managing cholesterol levels and cell signalling within the body’s functions is thoroughly examined in this detailed analysis to delve into its molecular properties and diverse impact, on human health and diseases.

Molecular Structure and Biosynthesis

27-Hydroxycholesterol represents a key oxidized derivative of cholesterol, characterized by a hydroxyl group strategically positioned at the 27th carbon of the cholesterol molecule. The creation of it is mainly controlled by the enzyme cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H), which drives the conversion of cholesterol in a procedure.

The biosynthetic pathway of 27-OHC is intricate and tightly regulated:

• Primarily synthesized in the liver and various tissue macrophages
• Produced through enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol
• Acts as both a metabolic intermediate and a signalling molecule
• Exhibits remarkable ability to cross cellular membranes

Key molecular characteristics include:

• Molecular weight of 402.65 g/mol
• Chemical formula C27H46O2
• Lipophilic nature enabling cellular membrane traversal
• Capacity to modulate multiple cellular signalling pathways

Physiological Roles and Cellular Interactions

27-Hydroxycholesterol shows adaptability, in living organisms. Plays a significant role in various bodily functions.

Lipid Metabolism: Regulates cholesterol homeostasis, Modulates cellular cholesterol efflux mechanisms, Interacts with liver X receptors (LXRs) to control lipid metabolism, Plays a crucial role in macrophage lipid regulation

Endocrine Signalling: Acts as an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), Influences estrogen receptor α and β signalling pathways, Demonstrates complex interactions with steroid hormone receptors, Potential implications in reproductive biology and cancer research

Immune System Modulation: Exhibits immunomodulatory properties, Influences macrophage inflammatory responses, Contributes to innate immune system regulation, Potential role in managing inflammatory conditions

Neurological Implications: Detected in brain tissues, Potentially involved in neuroinflammatory processes, May contribute to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, Interesting target for neurological research

Pathological Associations and Clinical Significance

The multifaceted nature of 27-OHC reveals its potential involvement in various pathological conditions:

Cancer Biology: Demonstrated effects on breast cancer cell proliferation, Potential role in hormone-dependent cancer progression, Influences cell signalling and metastatic potential, Subject of ongoing oncological research

Cardiovascular Diseases: Implicated in atherosclerosis development, Contributes to oxidative stress mechanisms, Potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment, Influences cholesterol efflux and lipid metabolism

Neurodegenerative Disorders: Potential link to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, May contribute to neuroinflammatory processes, Interesting target for potential therapeutic interventions, Ongoing research exploring its neurological implications

Conclusion

27-Hydroxycholesterol is not a run of the mill cholesterol byproduct; it’s a molecule, with intricate connections to our cells and various functions in the body that researchers find intriguing to study further for its potential impact on health and disease outcomes, in the future.

Suitable ELISA Kits

• 27-Hydroxycholesterol ELISA Kit
• 27 OHC ELISA Kit