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CYP11A1 Enzyme

Meaning

The CYP11A1 Enzyme, officially named Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme or P450scc, is a critical mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones. It functions by converting the cholesterol molecule into pregnenolone, which serves as the universal precursor for every downstream steroid, including cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and estrogen. The precise activity of this enzyme is absolutely essential for regulating the overall flux of the entire steroidogenesis cascade.