Involved in the catabolism of the rings C and D of cholesterol. Catalyzes the ATP-dependent CoA thioesterification of 3aalpha-H-4alpha(3'-propanoate)-7abeta-methylhexahydro-1,5-indanedione (HIP). 3-[(3aS,4S,7aS)-7a-methyl-1,5-dioxo-octahydro-1H-inden-4-yl]propanoate + ATP + CoA = 3-[(3aS,4S,7aS)-7a-methyl-1,5-dioxo-octahydro-1H-inden-4-yl]propanoyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate Cells lacking this gene completely degrade cholesterol to half the yield of wild-type and accumulate HIP. Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.