The Molecular Genetics of Steroid 5α-Reductases

1994; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/b978-0-12-571149-4.50018-0

Autores

David W. Russell, David M. Berman, James T. Bryant, Kristine M. Cala, Daphne L. Davis, Charles P. Landrum, James S. Prihoda, Richard I. Silver, Anice E. Thigpen, W. Christian Wigley,

Tópico(s)

Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension

Resumo

This chapter discusses the molecular genetics of steroid 5α-reductases. 5α-reductase plays a central role in androgen action by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone into the more potent hormone dihydrotestosterone. Like other steroid and thyroid hormones, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone activate responsive genes by binding to the androgen receptor—a member of the steroid hormone receptor family of transcriptional activator proteins. Despite this mechanistic similarity, androgen action differs from other steroid hormones in that two different steroids interact with the same receptor to bring about different physiological effects. Testosterone bound to the androgen receptor is responsible for the regulation of gonadotropin production, spermatogenesis, and the formation of the internal male genitalia—epididymis, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens—from wolffian duct anlagen during phenotypic sexual differentiation in the male embryo. In contrast, dihydrotestosterone bound to the same androgen receptor brings about the formation of the male external genitalia—penis and scrotum—and prostate from urogenital sinus primordium in the male embryo and is required for sexual maturation at puberty.

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