The human
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
''SRD5A2'' encodes the 3-oxo-5α-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2 enzyme, also known as 5α-reductase type 2 (5αR2),
one of three isozymes of
5α-reductase.
5αR2 catalyzes the conversion of the male sex hormone
testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in Male, males. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of Male reproductive system, male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting se ...
into the more potent
androgen
An androgen (from Greek ''andr-'', the stem of the word meaning ) is any natural or synthetic steroid hormone that regulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. This includes ...
,
dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 5α-DHT, androstanolone or stanolone) is an endogenous androgen sex steroid and hormone primarily involved in the growth and repair of the prostate and the penis, as well as the production o ...
.
5αR2 is a
microsomal protein expressed at high levels in androgen-sensitive tissues such as the
prostate
The prostate is an male accessory gland, accessory gland of the male reproductive system and a muscle-driven mechanical switch between urination and ejaculation. It is found in all male mammals. It differs between species anatomically, chemica ...
. The enzyme is active at acidic pH and is sensitive to the 4-azasteroid inhibitor
finasteride
Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia among others, is a medication used to treat pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It can also be used to treat hirsutism, excessive hair growth in women. It ...
. Deficiencies in 5αR2 activity of the can lead to a condition known as
5α-reductase 2 deficiency, which is a cause of 46,XY DSD that presents as atypical male genitalia.
See also
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5α-Reductase
References
Further reading
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