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AKR1C Enzymes

Meaning

AKR1C Enzymes, specifically members of the Aldo-Keto Reductase family 1, subfamily C, are a group of steroid-transforming enzymes found in various peripheral tissues. These enzymes play a crucial role in regulating the local concentrations of active steroid hormones within target cells, rather than in the primary endocrine glands. They are vital for controlling the final availability of ligands for key nuclear receptors, including the Androgen Receptor (AR), Estrogen Receptor (ER), and Progesterone Receptor (PR). Clinical interest in AKR1C enzymes stems from their implication in hormone-dependent conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain malignancies.