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Expression patterns of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 14 in human tissues
T Sivik1, S Vikingsson, H Gréen
1Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. tove.sivik@liu.se
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|August 7, 2012
Summary
17βHSD14, an enzyme in sex hormone synthesis, is primarily found in glandular tissues. This study shows it converts estradiol and testosterone into less active forms, suggesting a role in steroid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSD) are crucial for intracrine sex hormone synthesis.
- The specific biological role of 17βHSD14 (retSDR3) remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns and functional activity of 17βHSD14.
- To determine the role of 17βHSD14 in sex steroid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Generation and validation of a specific antibody for 17βHSD14.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 17βHSD14 expression in 33 human tissues.
- Enzymatic assays in HSD17B14-overexpressing HEK293 and MCF10A cells to assess steroid conversion.
Main Results:
- 17βHSD14 was predominantly expressed in glandular epithelial tissues.
- Overexpression studies confirmed 17βHSD14 oxidizes estradiol to estrone and testosterone to androstenedione.
- These conversions yield less biologically active steroid metabolites.
Conclusions:
- 17βHSD14 is expressed in glandular tissues, suggesting a role in secretion or conversion of external compounds.
- The enzyme actively metabolizes key sex steroids, contributing to the regulation of hormone activity.
- 17βHSD14 plays a significant role in sex steroid metabolism.
