Ergosterol

• Catalog No.: S2297
• CAS Number: 57-87-4
• M. F.: C28H44O
• M. W.: 396.64836
• Storage: -20°C

SYNONYMS

• IUPAC name: (1S,2R,5S,11R,14R,15R)-14-[(2R,3E,5R)-5,6-dimethylhept-3-en-2-yl]-2,15-dimethyltetracyclo[8.7.0.0^{2,7}.0^{11,15}]heptadeca-7,9-dien-5-ol
• IUPAC Traditional name: ergosterol

DATABASE IDS

• CAS Number: 57-87-4

PROPERTIES

• Salt Data: Free Base
• Storage Condition: -20°C

DETAILS

Description (English)

Research Area: Cancer
Biological Activity:
Ergosterol is a sterol and a biological precursor (a provitamin) to vitamin D2. It is turned into viosterol by ultraviolet light, and is then converted into ergocalciferol, which is a form of vitamin D. [1] Ergosterol is a component of fungal cell membranes, serving the same function that cholesterol serves in animal cells. Because ergosterol is present in fungal cell membranes yet absent in animal cell membranes, it is a useful target for antifungal drugs. It is also present in the cell membranes of some protists, such as trypanosomes. This is the basis for the use of some antifungals against West African sleeping sickness. [2][3]

REFERENCES

• Rajakumar K et al. Am J Public Health. 2007 Oct;97(10):1746-54.