Purification and Properties of a Mitochondrial Lipoprotein Inhibitor of Sterol Synthesis

Abstract

A lipoprotein inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (EC 1. 1. 1. 34) and of cholesterol synthesis by rat liver homogenates, was isolated from the mitochondria of starved rats' livers. The isolated lipoprotein complex contained a low molecular weight protein and fatty acids. The fatty acids identified were arachidonic, linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic. The saturated fatty acids and oleic acid did not inhibit. Inhibition of the enzyme was to a large extent related to the degree of fatty acid unsaturation.