MOLECULE

Mevalonic acid-5P

Mevalonic acid-5P, also known as mevalonate-5P or 5-phosphomevalonate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as monoalkyl phosphates. These are organic compounds containing a phosphate group that is linked to exactly one alkyl chain. A carboxyalkyl phosphate that is mevalonic acid phosphorylated at position 5. Mevalonic acid-5P is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. Mevalonic acid-5P exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, mevalonic acid-5P participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, mevalonic acid-5P can be biosynthesized from (R)-mevalonate through its interaction with the enzyme mevalonate kinase. In addition, mevalonic acid-5P can be converted into (R)-mevalonic acid-5-pyrophosphate; which is mediated by the enzyme phosphomevalonate kinase. In humans, mevalonic acid-5P is involved in mevalonate pathway. Outside of the human body, Mevalonic acid-5P has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as prickly pears, safflowers, walnuts, sorrels, and italian oregano. This could make mevalonic acid-5P a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Mevalonic acid-5P is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.