Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:1.1.1.3 (HSD)
 3,464 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Steroids synthesized de novo from cholesterol in the brain are generally called neurosteroids. We have recently demonstrated, using biochemical and molecular biological methods, that certain structures in the quail brain possess cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3beta-HSD) and produce pregnenolone, pregnenolone sulfate and progesterone. To clarify the biosynthetic pathway of neurosteroids in the avian brain, therefore, we examined the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding for the enzyme cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase (P450(17alpha,lyase)), which converts pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone via 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone or progesterone to androstenedione via 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. RT-PCR analysis followed by Southern hybridization indicated the expression of P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA in the brain of sexually mature birds without a clear-cut sex difference. Employing biochemical techniques combined with HPLC analysis, the conversion of progesterone to 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone was also found in brain slices of the mature male. P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA was detected in various brain regions, but there was a clear regional difference in the expression. The expressions of P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA in the diencephalon and mesencephalon were significantly higher than those in the cerebrum and cerebellum, unlike 3beta-HSD mRNA, which showed no regional difference in the expression. In situ hybridization revealed the cellular localization of P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA. The cells expressing P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA were detected several diencephalic and mesencephalic regions, such as the preoptic area, the anterior hypothalamus, the dorsolateral thalamus, the optic tectum and the ventral midbrain. The expression was also localized in the septum, the hyperstriatum accessorium, and the ventral portions of the archistriatum in the telencephalon. Cerebellar Purkinje cells also expressed P450(17alpha,lyase) mRNA. These results suggest that the avian brain possesses P450(17alpha,lyase) as well as P450scc and 3beta-HSD in both sexes. The expression of P450(17alpha,lyase) in the avian brain may be region-dependent.
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PMID:Expression and localization of cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase in the avian brain. 1131 72

The 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)isomerase (3beta-HSD) isoenzymes are responsible for the oxidation and isomerization of Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid precursors into Delta(4)-ketosteroids, thus catalyzing an essential step in the formation of all classes of active steroid hormones. The 3beta-HSD gene family should have evolved to facilitate differential patterns of tissue- and cell-specific expression and regulation involving multiple signal transduction pathways, which are activated by several growth factors, steroids, and cytokines. In humans, there are two 3beta-HSD isoenzymes, which were chronologically designated type I and II encoded by HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 gene, respectively. HSD3B1 gene encodes the almost exclusive 3beta-HSD isoenzyme expressed in the placenta and peripheral tissues, whereas HSD3B2 gene encodes the predominant 3beta-HSD isoenzyme expressed in the adrenal gland, ovary, and testis and its deficiency is responsible for a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia causing various degrees of salt-wasting in both sexes and incomplete masculinization of the external genitalia in genetic males. Although an elevated ratio of Delta(5)-Delta(4)-steroids was considered to be the best biological parameter for the diagnosis of this autosomal recessive disorder, the most accurate criteria now appears to be the plasma levels of 17-OH-pregnenolone greater than 100 nmol/L following ACTH stimulation. To date a total of 34 mutations (including 5 frameshift, 4 nonsense, 1 in-frame deletion, 1 splicing, and 23 missense mutations) have been identified in the HSD3B2 gene in 56 individuals from 44 families suffering from classical 3beta-HSD deficiency. In almost all the cases, the functional characterization of HSD3B2 mutations has provided a molecular explanation for the heterogeneous clinical presentation of this disorder. Indeed these experiments confirm that no functional 3betaHSD type II isoenzyme is expressed in the adrenals and gonads of the patients suffering from a severe salt-wasting form, whereas the non-salt-losing form results from specific missense mutation(s) in the HSD3B2 gene, which causes an incomplete loss of enzymatic activity thus leaving sufficient enzymatic activity to prevent salt wasting. Moreover, various mutations appear to have a drastic effect upon stability of the protein, therefore providing molecular evidence of a new mechanism involved in classical 3beta-HSD deficiency. Thus, the elucidation of the molecular basis of 3beta-HSD deficiency has highlighted the fact that mutations in the HSD3B2 gene can result in a wide spectrum of molecular repercussions, which are associated with the different phenotypic manifestations of classical 3beta-HSD deficiency and also provide valuable information concerning the structure-function relationships of the 3beta-HSD superfamily.
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PMID:Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4) isomerase deficiency. 1242 6

Classical 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) deficiency is a rare cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We report two sisters presenting with delayed diagnoses of classical 3beta-HSD, despite salt wasting (SW) episodes in infancy. Sibling 1 was referred for premature pubarche, slight growth acceleration, and advanced bone age, whereas sibling 2 had no signs of virilization. At referral, increased 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone associated with premature pubarche at first suggested a nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Sequencing of the CYP21 gene showed both girls only heterozygotes (V281L mutation). This result, combined with SW in infancy, suggested a 3beta-HSD deficiency because of increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Further hormonal studies showed markedly elevated Delta5-steroids, in particular 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone greater than 100 nmol/liter (the clue to the diagnosis) and elevated Delta5-/Delta4-steroid ratios. Sequencing of the type II 3beta-HSD gene documented that both girls were compound heterozygotes for T181I and 1105delA mutations. Retrospectively, elevated levels of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were found on blood spots from Guthrie's test. There is no previous report of the combination of SW and premature pubarche due to mutations in the type II 3beta-HSD gene. Because neonatal diagnosis could have prevented life-threatening crises in these girls, this report further supports the benefits for neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia whatever the etiology.
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PMID:Delayed diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with salt wasting due to type II 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency. 1567 Nov 4