Dehydroergosterol acetate is ergosterol derivative that can be used in photochemical reactions.

Dehydroergosterol (DHE) is a naturally occurring, fluorescent analog of cholesterol that mimics the properties of cholesterol in cell membranes. It is readily bound by cholesterol-binding proteins and has been used for real-time probing of the sterol environment and to elucidate intracellular sterol trafficking in living organisms. Also was found, that DHE might be helpful in slowing down the deterioration in brain function by inducing a suitable microglial phenotype and might be a valuable preventive tool for dementia. DHE is considered safe to consume and is present in various dairy products, such as camembert cheese.