Aromatase
mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens
Aromatase (EC 1.14.14.14), also called estrogen synthetase or estrogen synthase, is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogens. It is CYP19A1, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, which are monooxygenases that catalyze many reactions involved in steroidogenesis. In particular, aromatase is responsible for the aromatization of androgens into estrogens. The enzyme aromatase can be found in many tissues including gonads (granulosa cells), brain, adipose tissue, placenta, blood vessels, skin, and bone, as well as in tissue of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. It is an important factor in sexual development.
Function
Aromatase is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum where it is regulated by tissue-specific promoters that are in turn controlled by hormones, cytokines, and other factors. It catalyzes the last steps of estrogen biosynthesis from androgens (specifically, it transforms androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol). These steps include three successive hydroxylations of the 19-methyl group of androgens, followed by simultaneous elimination of the methyl group as formate and aromatization of the A-ring.
Androstenedione + 3O2 + 3NADPH + 3H+
⇌
{\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }
Estrone + Formate + 4H2O + 3NADP+
Testosterone + 3O2 + 3NADPH + 3H+
⇌
{\displaystyle \rightleftharpoons }
17β-estradiol + Formate + 4H2O + 3NADP+
Expression
Aromatase is expressed in the gonads, placenta, brain, adipose tissue, bone, and other tissues. It is almost undetectable in adult human liver.
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