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Mitochondrial Steroidogenesis Regulation

Meaning

This term refers to the intricate, multi-step control system governing the synthesis of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen, which crucially depends on the functional integrity of the mitochondria within steroidogenic cells. The regulation encompasses the transport of cholesterol into the inner mitochondrial membrane and the subsequent enzymatic cleavage by the cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc). Optimal hormonal health is directly contingent upon robust mitochondrial function and its precise regulatory control over this initial, rate-limiting step.