Lovastatin, an anti-cholesterol drug, is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase) that catalyses conversion of HMG CoA to mevalonate involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Lovastatin does not only find a role as anti-cholesterol agent but also plays a key role as an anti-inflammatory agent, cancer cell apoptosis, renal function restoration, treatment for bone disorders etc. Production of statins has been undertaken by Submerged Fermentation (SmF) and Solid State Fermentation (SSF) by using fungi. In view of the advantages of SSF over SmF, the focus has shifted to production by SSF in recent years. The use of various agro based wastes as substrates has been proven. With recent developments in molecular biology and genome studies it has been able to decode genetic aspects of lovastatin gene expression levels. This review gives an insight into works reported on lovastatin production by SSF, various substrates employed, mutation studies, optimisation parameters, molecular studies and medical application of lovastatin.
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