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In recent years, several inherited human disorders caused by defects in cholesterol biosynthesis have been identified. These are characterized by malformations, multiple congenital anomalies, mental and growth retardation and/or skeletal and skin abnormalities indicating a pivotal role of cholesterol in morphogenesis and embryonic development. The first recognized and most common of these developmental disorders is Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, an autosomal recessive trait caused by mutations in the DHCR7 gene resulting in a deficiency of the encoded sterol Δ7-reductase, alternatively called 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (EC 1.3.1.21). This enzyme catalyzes the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis, which is the reduction of the Δ7 double bond of 7-dehydrocholesterol to produce cholesterol.

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Metabolic disease , Sterol v7-reductase , morphogenesis , embryogenesis , Cholesterol biosynthesis

Studia Iranica

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