Steroid 21-hydroxylase | |||||||||
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Identifiers | |||||||||
EC no. | 1.14.14.16 | ||||||||
CAS no. | 9029-68-9 | ||||||||
Alt. names | "Cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 2", CYP21A2, CYP21, CYP21B, [1] P45021A2, cytochrome P450c21, [2] [3] [4] steroid 21-monooxygenase, [5] 21-hydroxylase, 21α-hydroxylase, [6] [7] 21β-hydroxylase [8] [9] | ||||||||
Databases | |||||||||
IntEnz | IntEnz view | ||||||||
BRENDA | BRENDA entry | ||||||||
ExPASy | NiceZyme view | ||||||||
KEGG | KEGG entry | ||||||||
MetaCyc | metabolic pathway | ||||||||
PRIAM | profile | ||||||||
PDB structures | RCSB PDB PDBe PDBsum | ||||||||
Gene Ontology | AmiGO / QuickGO | ||||||||
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Steroid 21-hydroxylase is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CYP21A2 gene. The protein is an enzyme that hydroxylates steroids at the C21 position on the molecule. [10] [11] Naming conventions for enzymes are based on the substrate acted upon and the chemical process performed. Biochemically, this enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of the adrenal gland hormones aldosterone and cortisol, which are important in blood pressure regulation, sodium homeostasis and blood sugar control. The enzyme converts progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone into 11-deoxycorticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol, respectively, [12] [13] within metabolic pathways which in humans ultimately lead to aldosterone and cortisol creation—deficiency in the enzyme may cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Steroid 21-hydroxylase is a member of the cytochrome P450 family of monooxygenase enzymes that use an iron-containing heme cofactor to oxidize substrates.
In humans, the enzyme is localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes of cells in adrenal cortex, [14] [15] and is encoded by the CYP21A2 gene which is located near the CYP21A1P pseudogene that has high degree of sequence similarity. This similarity makes it difficult to analyze the gene at the molecular level, and sometimes leads to loss-of-function mutations of the gene due to intergenic exchange of DNA.
CYP21A2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Identifiers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aliases | CYP21A2 , CA21H, CAH1, CPS1, CYP21, CYP21B, P450c21B, cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
External IDs | OMIM: 613815; MGI: 88591; HomoloGene: 68063; GeneCards: CYP21A2; OMA:CYP21A2 - orthologs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EC number | 1.14.14.16,1.14.14.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Steroid 21-hydroxylase in humans is encoded by the CYP21A2 gene that may be accompanied by one or several copies of the nonfunctional pseudogene CYP21A1P, [20] [21] this pseudogene shares 98% of the exonic informational identity with the actual functional gene. [22] [23]
Pseudogenes are common in genomes, and they originate as artifacts during the duplication process. Though often thought of as "junk DNA", research has shown that retaining these faulty copies can have a beneficial role, often providing regulation of their parent genes. [24]
In the mouse genome, the Cyp21a2 is a pseudogene and the Cyp21a1 is a functional gene. [25] In the chicken and quail, there is only a single Cyp21 gene, which locus is located between complement component C4 and TNX gene, along with Cenpa. [26]
CYP21A2 in humans is located in chromosome 6, in the major histocompatibility complex III (MHC class III) [27] close to the Complement component 4 genes C4A and C4B , the Tenascin X gene TNXB and STK19 . [28] MHC class III is the most gene-dense region of the human genome, containing many genes that have, as of 2023 - unknown functions or structures. [29] [27]
Inside the MHC class III, CYP21A2 is located within the RCCX cluster (an abbreviation composed of the names of the genes RP (a former name for STK19 serine/threonine kinase 19), [30] [31] C4 , CYP21 and TNX ), [32] which is the most complex gene cluster in the human genome. [33] The number of RCCX segments varies between one and four in a chromosome, [30] with the prevalence of approximately 15% for monomodular, 75% for bimodular (STK19-C4A-CYP21A1P-TNXA-STK19B-C4B-CYP21A2-TNXB), [31] [34] and 10% for trimodular in Europeans. [35] The quadrimodular structure of the RCCX unit is very rare. [36] [30] [35] In a monomodular structure, all of the genes are functional i.e. protein-coding, but if a module count is two or more, there is only one copy of each functional gene rest being non-coding pseudogenes with the exception of the C4 gene which always has active copies. [30] [35]
Due to the high degree of homology between the CYP21A2 gene and the CYP21A1P pseudogene and the complexity of the RCCX locus, it is difficult to perform molecular diagnostics for CYP21A2. The pseudogene can have single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that are identical or similar to those in the functional gene, making it difficult to distinguish between them. The pseudogene can also recombine with the functional gene, creating hybrid genes that have features of both. This can result in false-positive or false-negative results when testing for SNPs in the CYP21A2. [37]
The whole genome sequencing technology relies on breaking the DNA into small fragments, sequencing them, and then assembling them back together based on their overlaps. However, because of the high homology and variability of the CYP21A2 and its pseudogene, the fragments cannot be mapped unambiguously to either copy of the gene. This can lead to errors or gaps in the assembly, or missing some variants that are present in the gene. [38] [37]
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular diagnostics uses selective primers to amplify specific segments of the DNA sequence that are relevant for diagnosing or detecting a certain disease or condition. If the primers are not designed carefully, they may bind to both the CYP21A2 and the CYP21A1P pseudogene, or to different segments of the RCCX cluster, resulting in false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, PCR for the CYP21A2 requires the use of locus-specific primers that can distinguish between the gene and the pseudogene, and between different RCCX modules. Moreover, PCR may not be able to detect complex variants such as large gene conversions, deletions, or duplications, which are frequent in the case of the CYP21A2. [39] [40] [38]
Southern blotting, a method used for detecting and quantifying a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples, also has limitations in analyzing CYP21A2. This method is time-consuming and requires a large amount of good-quality DNA, which makes it less applicable in routine diagnostic settings. This method comes with a radioactive biohazard, which poses safety concerns and makes it labor-intensive. Southern blotting is unable to detect the junction sites of chimeras. The CYP21A2 gene is prone to mismatch and rearrangement, producing different types of complex variations that include copy number variants, large gene conversions, small insertions/deletions, and single-nucleotide (SNP) variants. Southern blotting is not capable of detecting all these types of variants simultaneously. Besides that, southern blotting requires genetic analysis of the parents, which is not always feasible or practical. [38] [41]
Therefore, to analyze the CYP21A2 gene accurately, a more specialized and sensitive method is needed, such as targeted long-read sequencing, which can sequence longer DNA fragments and capture more information about the gene structure and variation. However, this method is not widely available or affordable for clinical use. [42] [43] [44]
Steroid 21-hydroxylase, is a member of the cytochrome P450 family of monooxygenase enzymes, the protein has 494 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 55,000. This enzyme is at most 28% homologous to other P-450 enzymes that have been studied. [45]
Structurally, the protein contains an evolutionarily conserved core of four α-helix bundles (the importance of such genetic conservation is in demonstrating the functional importance of this aspect of this protein's structure). In addition, it has two additional alpha helices, two sets of β-sheets, and a heme cofactor binding loop. [46] Each subunit in the human enzyme consists of a total of 13 α-helices and 9 β-strands that folds into a triangular prism-like tertiary structure. [12]
The iron(III) heme group that defines the active site resides in the center of each subunit. The human enzyme binds one substrate at a time. [12] In contrast, the well-characterized bovine enzyme can bind two substrates. [47] The human and bovine enzyme share 80% amino acid sequence identity, but are structurally different, particularly in loop regions, and also evident in secondary structure elements. [12]
Variations of the steroid 21-hydroxylase can be found in all vertebrates. [48]
Cyp21 first emerged in chordates before the speciation between basal chordates and vertebrates. [49] The sea lamprey, an early jawless fish species that originated over 500 million years ago, provides valuable insights into the evolution and emergence of Cyp21. Sea lampreys lack the 11β-hydroxylase enzyme responsible for converting 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol as observed in mammals. Instead, they rely on 11-deoxycortisol, a product of a reaction catalyzed by CYP21, as their primary glucocorticoid hormone with mineralocorticoid properties. This suggests the presence of a complex and highly specific corticosteroid signaling pathway that emerged at least half a billion years ago during early vertebrate evolution. [50]
In vertebrates, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, Cyp21 participates in the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, therefore, Cyp21 is essential for the regulation of stress response, electrolyte balance and blood pressure, immune system, and metabolism in vertebrates. [51]
Cyp21 is relatively conserved among mammals, and shows some variations in its structure, expression, and regulation. [51] Rhesus macaques and orangutans possess two copies of Cyp21, while chimpanzees have three, still, a pseudogene (CYP21A1P) is only present in humans among primates. [52]
Steroid 21-hydroxylase is localized in microsomes of endoplasmic reticulum membranes within adrenal cortex. [10] It is one of three microsomal steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzymes, the others being steroid 17-hydroxylase and aromatase. [53]
Unlike other enzymes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes that are expressed in multiple tissues, with most abundant expression in the liver, in adult humans steroid 21-hydroxylase, along with steroid 11β-hydroxylase and aldosterone synthase, is almost exclusively expressed in the adrenal gland. [54] [55]
As of 2023, [update] the main subcellular location for the encoded protein in human cells is not known, and is pending cell analysis. [56]
The enzyme, steroid 21-hydroxylase hydroxylates steroids at the C21 position. [13] Steroids are a group of naturally occurring and synthetically produced organic compounds, steroids all share a four ring primary structure. The enzyme catalyzes the chemical reaction in which the hydroxyl group (-OH) is added at the C21 position of the steroid biomolecule. This location is on a side chain of the D ring.
The enzyme is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of monooxygenase enzymes. The cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids.
Steroid 21-hydroxylase is essential for the biosynthesis of cortisol and aldosterone. [57] [58]
Steroid 21-hydroxylase is a cytochrome P450 enzyme that is notable for its substrate specificity and relatively high catalytic efficiency. [48]
Like other cytochrome P450 enzymes, steroid 21-hydroxylase participates in the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle and engages in one-electron transfer with NADPH-P450 reductase. Steroid 21-hydroxylase is highly specific for hydroxylation of progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. This is in marked contrast to the evolutionarily and functionally related P450 enzyme 17-hydroxylase, which has a broad range of substrates. [59]
The chemical reaction in which steroid 21-hydroxylase catalyzes the addition of hydroxyl (-OH) to the C21 position of progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 21-desoxycortisone [60] was first described in 1952. [61]
Studies of the human enzyme expressed in yeast initially classified 17-hydroxyprogesterone as the preferred substrate for steroid 21-hydroxylase, [59] [62] [63] however, later analysis of the purified human enzyme found a lower KM and greater catalytic efficiency for progesterone over 17-hydroxyprogesterone. [12]
The catalytic efficiency of steroid 21-hydroxylase for conversion of progesterone in humans is approximately 1.3 x 107 M−1s−1 at 37 °C. This makes it the most catalytically efficient P450 enzyme of those reported to date, and catalytically more efficient than the closely related bovine steroid 21-hydroxylase enzyme. [14] C-H bond breaking to create a primary carbon radical is thought to be the rate-limiting step in the hydroxylation. [12]
Genetic variants in the CYP21A2 gene cause a disturbance in the development of the enzyme, leading to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Gene conversion events involving the functional gene and the pseudogene account for many cases of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency. [64] CAH is an autosomal recessive disorder. There are multiple forms of CAH, defined as classical and nonclassical forms based on the amount of enzyme function still present in the patient.
The classical forms occur in approximately 1 in 10000 to 1 in 20000 births globally, [58] [65] and includes both the salt-wasting (excessive excretion of sodium via the urine causing hyponatremia and dehydration) and simple-virilizing forms. Complete loss of enzymatic activity causes the salt-wasting form. Variations in the structure of steroid 21-hydroxylase are related to the clinical severity of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Cortisol and aldosterone deficits are associated with life-threatening sodium loss, as the steroids play roles in regulating sodium homeostasis. Simple-virilizing CAH patients (~1-2% enzyme function) [58] maintain adequate sodium homeostasis, but exhibit other symptoms shared by the salt-wasting form, including accelerated growth in childhood and ambiguous genitalia in female neonates.
The nonclassical form is the mildest condition, retaining about 20% to 50% of enzyme function. [58] This form is associated with mild and clinically silent cortisol impairment, [65] but an excess of androgens post-puberty. [66]
Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NCCAH) is a milder and late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Its prevalence rate in different ethnic groups varies from 1 in 1000 to 1 in 50. [58] Some people affected by the condition have no relevant signs and symptoms, while others experience symptoms of hyperandrogenism. [58] [65] [66]
Women with NCCAH usually have normal female genitalia at birth. In later life, the signs and symptoms of the condition may include acne, hirsutism, male-pattern baldness, irregular menstruation, and infertility. [58] [65] [25]
Fewer studies have been published about males with NCCAH comparing to those about females, because males are generally asymptomatic. [25] [58] Males, however, may present with acne [67] [68] and early balding. [69] [70]
While symptoms are usually diagnosed after puberty, children may present with premature adrenarche. [71]
There is ongoing research on how Genetic variants in the CYP21A2 gene may lead to pathogenic conditions. A variant of this gene has been reported to cause autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract, suggesting that steroid 21-hydroxylase may be involved in the extra-adrenal biosynthesis of aldosterone and cortisol in the lens of the eye. [72]
In the 1950s and 1960s, steroidogenic pathways that included cholesterol conversion to progesterone through a complex pathway involving multiple steps were identified, and, among them, a pathway for cortisol synthesis showing specific enzymatic steps that included hydroxylation reactions at position 21 (21-hydroxylation) mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes. [73] Cytochrome P450 enzymes were then described, and steroid 21-hydroxylation was associated with cytochrome P450. [74] [73]
In the 1980s and 1990s, partial-length bovine Cyp21 cDNA clones were identified as related to human CYP21A2. [75] [73] Researchers discovered mutations in the CYP21A2 gene associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). [73]
From the 1990s onward, specific mutations were correlated with different forms/severity levels of CAH. Genotype/phenotype correlations were investigated for improved diagnostic accuracy. [73]
The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. They are found above the kidneys. Each gland has an outer cortex which produces steroid hormones and an inner medulla. The adrenal cortex itself is divided into three main zones: the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis. It results from the deficiency of one of the five enzymes required for the synthesis of cortisol in the adrenal cortex. Most of these disorders involve excessive or deficient production of hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, or sex steroids, and can alter development of primary or secondary sex characteristics in some affected infants, children, or adults. It is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders in humans.
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an endocrine disorder that is an uncommon and potentially lethal form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It arises from defects in the earliest stages of steroid hormone synthesis: the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria and the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone—the first step in the synthesis of all steroid hormones. Lipoid CAH causes mineralocorticoid deficiency in affected infants and children. Male infants are severely undervirilized causing their external genitalia to look feminine. The adrenals are large and filled with lipid globules derived from cholesterol.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency is a form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) which produces a higher than normal amount of androgen, resulting from a defect in the gene encoding the enzyme steroid 11β-hydroxylase (11β-OH) which mediates the final step of cortisol synthesis in the adrenal. 11β-OH CAH results in hypertension due to excessive mineralocorticoid effects. It also causes excessive androgen production both before and after birth and can virilize a genetically female fetus or a child of either sex.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency is an uncommon form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) resulting from a mutation in the gene for one of the key enzymes in cortisol synthesis by the adrenal gland, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) type II (HSD3B2). As a result, higher levels of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone appear in the blood with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge, which stimulates adrenal corticosteroid synthesis.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency is an uncommon form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) resulting from a mutation in the gene CYP17A1, which produces the enzyme 17α-hydroxylase. It causes decreased synthesis of cortisol and sex hormones, with resulting increase in mineralocorticoid production. Thus, common symptoms include mild cortisol deficiency, ambiguous genitalia in men or amenorrhea at puberty in women, and hypokalemic hypertension. However, partial (incomplete) deficiency often has inconsistent symptoms between patients, and affected women may be asymptomatic except for infertility.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired production of cortisol in the adrenal glands.
Aldosterone synthase, also called steroid 18-hydroxylase, corticosterone 18-monooxygenase or P450C18, is a steroid hydroxylase cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone and other steroids. The enzyme catalyzes sequential hydroxylations of the steroid angular methyl group at C18 after initial 11β-hydroxylation. It is encoded by the CYP11B2 gene in humans.
Cytochrome P450 17A1 is an enzyme of the hydroxylase type that in humans is encoded by the CYP17A1 gene on chromosome 10. It is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues and cell types, including the zona reticularis and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex as well as gonadal tissues. It has both 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities, and is a key enzyme in the steroidogenic pathway that produces progestins, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. More specifically, the enzyme acts upon pregnenolone and progesterone to add a hydroxyl (-OH) group at carbon 17 position (C17) of the steroid D ring, or acts upon 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone to split the side-chain off the steroid nucleus.
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-4 isomerase (3β-HSD) is an enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of the steroid progesterone from pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone from 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, and androstenedione from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the adrenal gland. It is the only enzyme in the adrenal pathway of corticosteroid synthesis that is not a member of the cytochrome P450 family. It is also present in other steroid-producing tissues, including the ovary, testis and placenta. In humans, there are two 3β-HSD isozymes encoded by the HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 genes.
Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme is commonly referred to as P450scc, where "scc" is an acronym for side-chain cleavage. P450scc is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. This is the first reaction in the process of steroidogenesis in all mammalian tissues that specialize in the production of various steroid hormones.
Steroid 11β-hydroxylase, also known as steroid 11β-monooxygenase, is a steroid hydroxylase found in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. Named officially the cytochrome P450 11B1, mitochondrial, it is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CYP11B1 gene. The enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of adrenal corticosteroids by catalyzing the addition of hydroxyl groups during oxidation reactions.
Cytochrome P450 reductase is a membrane-bound enzyme required for electron transfer from NADPH to cytochrome P450 and other heme proteins including heme oxygenase in the endoplasmic reticulum of the eukaryotic cell.
An inborn error of steroid metabolism is an inborn error of metabolism due to defects in steroid metabolism.
21-Deoxycortisol, also known as 11β,17α-dihydroxyprogesterone or as 11β,17α-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, is a naturally occurring, endogenous steroid related to cortisol (11β,17α,21-trihydroxyprogesterone) which is formed as a metabolite from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone via 11β-hydroxylase.
11β-Hydroxyprogesterone (11β-OHP), also known as 21-deoxycorticosterone, as well as 11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, is a naturally occurring, endogenous steroid and derivative of progesterone. It is a potent mineralocorticoid. Syntheses of 11β-OHP from progesterone is catalyzed by the steroid 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) enzyme, and, to a lesser extent, by the aldosterone synthase enzyme (CYP11B2).
Walter L. Miller is an American endocrinologist and professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Miller is expert in the field of human steroid biosynthesis and disorders of steroid metabolism. Over the past 40 years Miller's group at UCSF has described molecular basis of several metabolic disorders including, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, pseudo vitamin D dependent rickets, severe, recessive form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 17,20 lyase deficiency caused by CYP17A1 defects, P450scc deficiency caused by CYP11A1 defects, P450 oxidoreductase deficiency.
Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare disease and inborn error of metabolism caused by deficiency of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR). POR is a 2-flavin protein that is responsible for the transfer of electrons from NADPH to all 50 microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This includes the steroidogenic enzymes CYP17A1 (17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase), CYP19A1 (aromatase), and CYP21A2 (21-hydroxylase); CYP26B1 ; and the hepatic drug-metabolizing CYP450 enzymes, among many other CYP450 enzymes. Virilization of female infants in PORD may also be caused by alternative biosynthesis of 5α-dihydrotestosterone via the so-called "androgen backdoor pathway". The ABS component of severe forms of PORD is probably caused by CYP26B1 deficiency, which results in retinoic acid excess and defects during skeletal embryogenesis. All forms of PORD in humans are likely partial, as POR knockout in mice results in death during prenatal development.
Late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH), also known as nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, is a milder form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis that leads to variable degrees of postnatal androgen excess.
RCCX is a complex, multiallelic, and tandem copy number variation (CNV) human DNA locus on chromosome 6p21.3, a cluster located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region. CNVs are segments of DNA that vary in copy number compared to a reference genome and play a significant role in human phenotypic variation and disease development. The RCCX cluster consists of one or more modules each having a series of genes close to each other: serine/threonine kinase 19 (STK19), complement 4 (C4), steroid 21-hydroxylase (CYP21), and tenascin-X (TNX).
This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases that catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids, and other lipids. This protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and hydroxylates steroids at the 21 position. Its activity is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones including cortisol and aldosterone. Mutations in this gene cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A related pseudogene is located near this gene; gene conversion events involving the functional gene and the pseudogene are thought to account for many cases of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases that catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids, and other lipids. This protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and hydroxylates steroids at the 21 position. Its activity is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones including cortisol and aldosterone. Mutations in this gene cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A related pseudogene is located near this gene; gene conversion events involving the functional gene and the pseudogene are thought to account for many cases of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
Loss of scalp hair in females and males is embarrassing, requiring treatment with 5α-reductase inhibitors
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.