Adrenal steroid synthesis

Adrenal steroid synthesis" refers to the **biochemical pathway by which the adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones** from cholesterol. This process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that convert cholesterol into pregnenolone and then into various classes of steroids, including mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and adrenal androgens. Key enzymes in this pathway include cholesterol desmolase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, and aldosterone synthase[1][2][4]. The proper function of these enzymes is essential for normal endocrine physiology; deficiencies or mutations can result in diseases such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or Addison disease[1][2]. **Note:** "Adrenal steroid synthesis" is not a single molecular target but rather a complex metabolic pathway involving multiple enzymes. Each enzyme within this pathway could be considered an individual therapeutic target or biomarker; however, the term itself does not refer to a specific receptor, enzyme, transporter, or protein. Therefore: > - **is_target:** false — It is not itself a druggable molecular entity. > - **is_incorrect:** true — The entry refers to an entire biochemical process rather than a discrete molecule/protein/target. If you are seeking structured information on specific targets within this pathway—such as "11β-hydroxylase," "21-hydroxylase," or "aldosterone synthase"—please specify which enzyme or step you are interested in for more precise data[1][2][4].

Other names

SteroidogenesisAdrenocortical hormone biosynthesisSteroid hormone biosynthesis pathway