title: The molecular biology of androgenic 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
abstract: The enzyme 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) catalyzes the 17 beta-oxidation/reduction of C18- and C19-steroids in a variety of tissues. Three human genes encoding isozymes of 17 beta-HSD, designated 17 beta-HSD types 1, 2 and 3 have been cloned. 17 beta-HSD type 1 (also referred to as estradiol 17 beta-dehydrogenase) catalyzes the conversion of estrone to estradiol, primarily in the ovary and placenta. The 17 beta-HSD type 2 is expressed to high levels in the liver, secretory endometrium and placenta. The type 2 isozyme catalyzes the oxidation of androgens and estrogens equally efficiently. Also, the enzyme possesses 20 alpha-HSD activity demonstrated by its ability to convert 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone to progesterone. Testicular 17 beta-HSD type 3 catalyzes the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone to 5-androstenediol and estrone to estradiol. The 17 beta-HSD3 gene is mutated in male pseudohermaphrodites with the genetic disease 17 beta-HSD deficiency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Geissler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics*; D002885:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16; D002899:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005796:Genes; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000201:enzymology; D013737:Testis / Q000201:enzymology; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D007527:Isoenzymes; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases