The Evolutionary Journey of Sterol Synthesis Pathways in Eukaryotes

• Published in: Plant and cell physiology Vol. 66; no. 6; pp. 840 - 853
• Main Authors: Ferreira-Guerra, Mar, Coleto-Alcudia, Veredas, Mora-García, Santiago, Caño-Delgado, Ana I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Oxford University Press 01.06.2025
• Subjects: steroids; metabolic evolution; sterols; brassinosteroids; synthesis evolution; Brassinosteroids; Marchantia polymorpha
• ISSN: 0032-0781; 1471-9053; 1471-9053
• DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcaf016

Abstract Sterols play key roles in eukaryotic cell membrane stability and dynamics, as signaling molecules, and as precursors in sterol-based metabolic pathways, including the production of steroid hormones. The sterol biosynthetic pathway, based on a common set of core reactions, has been subject to intense diversification in each major eukaryotic clade. As a result, these organisms display a bewildering panoply of sterol-derived compounds that correlate with their multiple lifestyles and adaptations. In this work, we provide new insights into sterol synthesis evolution and diversification in extant eukaryotes, with a special focus on algae and plants. In particular, we provide detailed information on the sterol synthesis pathway in bryophytes. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of bryophyte sterol biosynthetic enzymes suggests that duplications and divergence of the final enzymes of the canonical sterol pathway are taking place in this group.