The detection of 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol in extracts of rat brains and human placenta by a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry technique

Oxysterols Are Novel Activators of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Pluripotent Mesenchymal Cells

“…Given that the identified oxysterols capable of activating Hh signaling are naturally occurring molecules (38,39) and that pathway activity is affected in multiple cell types, the present findings have numerous implications in physiological and pathological processes. For example, the role of Hh signaling in skeletal development and maintenance may be regulated at least in part through the action of oxysterols derived from endogenous cellular synthesis or dietary means.…”

Tracking the Subcellular Fate of 20(S)-Hydroxycholesterol with Click Chemistry Reveals a Transport Pathway to the Golgi

“…Although 20(S)-OHC has been previously detected in tissues (7,41), very little is known about its biosynthetic pathways, distribution, or trafficking. In our previous studies of Hh signaling, we synthesized 20(S)-yne, an alkynyl derivative of 20(S)-OHC, that retained activity as a direct SMO agonist ( Fig.…”

Analysis of oxysterols by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

“…Other oxysterols that have been found, e.g. in brain, include 20-hydroxycholesterol (C 5 -3␤,20-diol) and 22-hydroxycholesterol (C 5 -3␤ , 22-diol) [17,18]. There is always some doubt with respect to the origin of the minor oxysterols as they can be formed by non-enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol [2].…”