Aromatase and steroid sulfatase from human placenta

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM) and steroid sulfatase (STS) are crucial enzymes in human estrogen biosynthesis and maintaining androgen-estrogen balance.
• AROM converts androgens to estrogens, while STS hydrolyzes steroid sulfates, yielding precursors for potent sex hormones.
• Local expression of these enzymes is vital for reproductive steroid levels, making them therapeutic targets for hormone-related diseases.

Approach:

• Detailed review of extraction and purification procedures for human AROM and STS from term placenta.
• Description of established activity assays for quantifying AROM and STS enzyme function.
• Focus on methodologies developed over six decades of research.

Key Points:

• AROM is an Fe-heme cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzing androgen to estrogen conversion.
• STS is a Ca2+-dependent enzyme hydrolyzing steroid sulfates to produce estrogen and androgen precursors.
• Both enzymes are integral endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins.

Conclusions:

• Understanding AROM and STS function and purification is essential for developing treatments for hormone-dependent diseases.
• These enzymes are significant drug targets for conditions like breast and prostate cancer, and endometriosis.
• Continued research into AROM and STS is vital for advancing reproductive endocrinology and therapeutics.