Estradiol synthesis

Estradiol synthesis is a biochemical process in which the steroid hormone estradiol is produced from cholesterol, through several enzyme-catalyzed steps. The main enzymes involved are aromatase (CYP19A1), which converts androgens to estrogens, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts estrone to estradiol. This process occurs primarily in the ovaries (granulosa cells), testes, adrenal cortex, adipose tissue, and other peripheral sites. Dysregulation of estradiol synthesis is implicated in various diseases, including cancers (such as breast and endometrial cancer), endocrine disorders, and conditions like endometriosis. Therapeutically, the pathway is targeted indirectly by drugs that inhibit or modulate the activity of key enzymes, such as aromatase inhibitors used in hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Other names

Estradiol biosynthesisEstrogen biosynthesisEstradiol productionEstrogen synthesis