Cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1)

Cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1), commonly known as aromatase, is a heme-containing enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily primarily responsible for catalyzing the aromatization of androgens (e.g., androstenedione and testosterone) into estrogens (estrone and estradiol). As a key steroidogenic enzyme, aromatase is expressed in multiple tissues including the ovaries, testes, adipose tissue, placenta, brain, bone, and various sites of hormone-dependent tumors. Its activity is central to sexual differentiation, reproductive function, bone health, and glucose metabolism. Aberrant or deficient CYP19A1 function leads to disorders ranging from developmental abnormalities to hormone-dependent cancers. As the principal mediator of estrogen biosynthesis, CYP19A1 is a validated therapeutic target, and its inhibition forms the basis of key treatments for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer and other sex hormone–related diseases. Pharmacological inhibitors of this enzyme, termed aromatase inhibitors, effectively reduce estrogen levels and are widely used in oncology and endocrinology.

Other names

AromataseEstrogen synthaseEstrogen synthetaseCYP19P-450AROMCP19A_HUMANAROARO1CPV1CYARCYPXIXCytochrome P-450AROMCytochrome P450 19A1Cytochrome P450, subfamily XIX (aromatization of androgens)Flavoprotein-linked monooxygenaseMicrosomal monooxygenase

Inhibition of enzymatic aromatization (block conversion of androgens to estrogens) - Modulation of steroid hormone levels (estrogen decrease, androgen increase)