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CYP17A1 Enzyme

Meaning

The CYP17A1 enzyme, formally known as Cytochrome P450 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, is a pivotal steroidogenic enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum of adrenal and gonadal cells. This single enzyme possesses two distinct catalytic activities: 17α-hydroxylase activity and 17,20-lyase activity, which are both crucial for the synthesis of sex steroids and glucocorticoids. It acts as a major control point in the steroidogenesis pathway, dictating the flow of precursors toward mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, or androgens. Genetic defects or pharmacological inhibition of this enzyme can severely disrupt hormonal balance, impacting reproductive and metabolic health.