Reaction: squalene + diphosphate + NADP+ = presqualene diphosphate + NADPH + H+
For diagram of reaction click here.
Other name(s): SSL-2 (gene name)
Systematic name: squalene:NADP+ oxidoreductase
Comments: Isolated from the green alga Botryococcus braunii BOT22. Acts in the reverse direction. cf. EC 2.5.1.21, squalene synthase, where squalene is formed directly from farnesyl diphosphate.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Niehaus, T.D., Okada, S., Devarenne, T.P., Watt, D.S., Sviripa, V. and Chappell, J. Identification of unique mechanisms for triterpene biosynthesis in Botryococcus braunii. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 108 (2011) 12260-12265. [PMID: 21746901]