Biochem/physiol Actions HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Cholesterol lowering drug. Inhibits myoblast formation. An antibiotic shown to cause apoptosis, apparently by inhibiting post-translational prenylation of proteins such as Ras. Similarly, mevastatin increases eNOS mRNA and protein levels by blocking the geranylgeranylation of Rho.
Other Notes Potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, HMG-CoA reductase1,2,3; Used e.g. in culturing compactin-resistant cell lines overaccumulating HMG-CoA reductase4