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Genetic variability of the human SRD5A2 gene: implications for prostate cancer risk
J K Reichardt1, N Makridakis, B E Henderson
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 9003-1034, USA.
Abstract:
Elevated dihydrotestosterone levels have been suggested to increase the risk of prostate cancer. The human SRD5A2 gene encodes the type II steroid 5 alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to the more bioactive compound dihydrotestosterone. We have determined the distribution of a dinucleotide repeat in low-risk Asian-Americans, high-risk African-Americans, and intermediate-risk non-Hispanic Whites. We found this marker to be more polymorphic than previously reported, with some alleles being specific to African-Americans. Genetic variants of the SRD5A2 gene may play a role in predisposition to prostate cancer and in explaining the substantial racial/ethnic variability in risk.