TMP-153, a potent SOAT (acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT)) inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit cholesterol esterification and reduce its influx into the plasma. In murine liver experiments, this compound has been reported to significantly reduce unesterified cholesterol content in addition to reducing the content of esterified cholesterol. Other studies have noted that TMP-153 is toxic to prion-infected neuronal (ScGT1) cells. ACAT inhibitors have demonstrated the ability to increase caspase-3 activity and prostaglandin E2 production in ScGT1 cells.