Steroid 11-beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) (CYP11B1)

Steroid 11-beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) is a mitochondrial enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily primarily expressed in the adrenal cortex (UniProt: P15538). Its primary biological function is the catalysis of the final step in cortisol synthesis, converting 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol. In clinical medicine, CYP11B1 is a major therapeutic target for treating Cushing's syndrome, where its inhibition helps normalize elevated cortisol levels (PubMed: 32105186). The mention of "other hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes" in this context refers to the common pharmacological challenge where CYP11B1 inhibitors also cross-react with liver enzymes like CYP3A4, CYP1A2, or CYP2C19 (StatPearls: NBK541031). This lack of selectivity can lead to significant drug-drug interactions, as hepatic CYPs are responsible for the metabolism of many co-administered medications. Consequently, while CYP11B1 is the intended therapeutic target, the broader hepatic CYP family represents a site of off-target activity that must be carefully managed to ensure patient safety.

Other names

Cytochrome P450 11B1, mitochondrialS11BHCPN1P450C1111-beta-hydroxylase

Inhibition of the enzyme's catalytic activity to block the final step of cortisol synthesis (conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol).