The long pathway to cell organization and growth

Sterols, such as cholesterol in our bodies or ergosterol in yeast cells, are among the most abundant lipids in eukaryotic cells, yet are synthesized through notoriously long, complex metabolic pathways. Researchers from UC San Diego and the NIH have used a novel combination of cell biology, in vitro biochemistry and molecular computer simulations to show that in yeast, this pathway shapes the ergosterol to balance its interactions with other lipids. This balancing act allows for the…