HSD17B6

The protein encoded by this gene has both oxidoreductase and epimerase activities and is involved in androgen catabolism. The oxidoreductase activity can convert 3 alpha-adiol to dihydrotestosterone, while the epimerase activity can convert androsterone to epi-androsterone. Both reactions use NAD+ as the preferred cofactor. This gene is a member of the retinol dehydrogenase family.

Full Name

hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 6

Function

NAD-dependent oxidoreductase with broad substrate specificity that shows both oxidative and reductive activity (in vitro). Has 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity towards various steroids (in vitro). Converts 5-alpha-androstan-3-alpha,17-beta-diol to androsterone and estradiol to estrone (in vitro). Has 3-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity towards androsterone (in vitro). Has retinol dehydrogenase activity towards all-trans-retinol (in vitro). Can convert androsterone to epi-androsterone. Androsterone is first oxidized to 5-alpha-androstane-3,17-dione and then reduced to epi-andosterone. Can act on both C-19 and C-21 3-alpha-hydroxysteroids.

Biological Process

Androgen biosynthetic process Source: UniProtKB
Androgen catabolic process Source: UniProtKB
Brexanolone catabolic process Source: UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Early endosome membrane; Microsome membrane