Overview Function component of cell membrane precursor for hormone synthesis steroids vitamin D precursor for bile acid synthesis means of excretion login to view 1 more bullet ↑ in bile acid production used as a means to treat hypercholesterolemia login to view 4 more bullets Sources dietary intake circulating serum LDL login to view 1 more bullet circulating serum HDL login to view 4 more bullets de novo synthesis occurs in hepatocytes HMG-CoA reductase is rate limiting enzyme login to view 2 more bullets Regulation ↑ in intrahepatic [cholesterol] ↓ expression of login to view 6 more bullets Transport cholesterol is fat-soluble ↑ transport by synthesis of a cholesteryl ester login to view 4 more bullets see Apolipoproteins topic Pathology familial hypercholesterolemia defective LDL receptor AD presentation login to view 6 more bullets atherosclerosis risk factors (causes of endothelial cell damage) login to view 4 more bullets protective factors login to view 3 more bullets process login to view 15 more bullets