Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase （HMGR） is the rate-limiting enzyme in mevalonate biosynthisis. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed two classes of HMGR, the class Ⅰ mainly existing in eukaryotes and some archaea, and the class Ⅱ mainly found in eubacteria and the minority of archaea. The statins are representatives of competitive inhibitors which target HMGR and inhibit its reductase activity. This paper will illustrate the catalytic mechanism, phylogenies and classification of HMGR, and compare the difference ...
