CAS: 9067-97-4

3-Oxo-5β-steroid Δ4-dehydrogenase is an enzyme crucial in the metabolic pathway of steroid hormones, facilitating the conversion of androgens and estrogens. It is predominantly found in the liver, but also in other tissues where steroid biosynthesis occurs. This enzyme catalyzes the dehydrogenation at the Δ4 position of 3-oxo-5β-steroids, playing a significant role in the modulation and regulation of steroid hormone levels within cells. The enzyme functions by oxidizing the Δ4 double bond in the steroid structure, which is a critical step in the conversion of active steroids to their inactive metabolites. This action helps maintain a balance in hormone levels, preventing excessive accumulation of potentially biologically active steroids. In scientific research, understanding and manipulating the activity of 3-Oxo-5β-steroid Δ4-dehydrogenase can offer insights into disorders related to steroid metabolism, such as endocrine imbalances and certain cancers. Additionally, studying this enzyme can advance therapeutic strategies that target steroid-related diseases by modulating enzyme activity or expression. Its application extends to pharmaceutical research, where it can be used to evaluate the metabolic profiles of novel steroid-based drugs.