Among methods of controlling hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia is the direct stimulation of hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. Two novel lactone compounds, CJ-12,950 and CJ-13,357, containing and unusual oxime moiety, were isolated from a zygomycete Mortierella verticillata. These lactones are potent inducers of the LDL receptor gene in vitro, that enhanced LDL receptor expr...