Biosynthesis of polar steroids from the Far Eastern starfish Patiria (=Asterina) pectinifera. Cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate are converted into polyhydroxylated sterols and monoglycoside asterosaponin P1 in feeding experiments

- Biosynthesis of polar steroids from the starfish was investigated.
- Cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate were used as precursors in feeding experiments.
- They are converted into polyhydroxylated steroids and monoglycoside asterosaponin P1.
- Cholesterol is transformed into Δ7-cholesterol.
- Scheme of the first stages of biosynthesis of polar steroids was suggested.