Mevalonate kinase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the mevalonate pathway, which is essential for the biosynthesis of cholesterol and other important biomolecules. This enzyme catalyzes the phosphorylation of mevalonate, converting it into mevalonate-5-phosphate. This step is vital for the production of isoprenoids, which are necessary for various cellular functions. Deficiencies in mevalonate kinase can lead to metabolic disorders, such as mevalonate kinase deficiency, which is associated with symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain. Understanding the function of this enzyme is important for developing treatments for related conditions and for studying cholesterol metabolism in the body.