Skip to main content

Steroidogenic Enzymes

Meaning

A specialized group of cytochrome P450 enzymes and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases that catalyze the biochemical reactions responsible for synthesizing all steroid hormones from their precursor, cholesterol. These enzymes are predominantly located in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain, and their activity dictates the entire endocrine cascade. They are the rate-limiting steps in hormone production.