Sphingolipids steroid hormone biosynthesis

Multiple Roles for Sphingolipids in Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis... 

Fig. 15.4 Relationship between sphingolipid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis in the human adrenal cortex...

We turn now to the biosynthesis of lipid structures. We begin with a discussion of the biosynthesis of fatty acids, stressing the basic pathways, additional means of elongation, mechanisms for the introduction of double bonds, and regulation of fatty acid synthesis. Sections then follow on the biosynthesis of glyc-erophospholipids, sphingolipids, eicosanoids, and cholesterol. The transport of lipids through the body in lipoprotein complexes is described, and the chapter closes with discussions of the biosynthesis of bile salts and steroid hormones. 

This chapter examines the biosynthesis of three important components of biological membranes—phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol (Chapter 12). Triacylglycerols also are considered here because the pathway for their synthesis overlaps that of phospholipids. Cholesterol is of interest both as a membrane component and as a precursor of many signal molecules, including the steroid hormones progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. The biosynthesis of cholesterol exemplifies a fundamental mechanism for the assembly of extended carbon skeletons from five-carbon units. 

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