Lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) and spermatogenesis

Citation
D. Rozman et Mr. Waterman, Lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) and spermatogenesis, DRUG META D, 26(12), 1998, pp. 1199-1201
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
DRUG METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION
ISSN journal
00909556 → ACNP
Volume
26
Issue
12
Year of publication
1998
Pages
1199 - 1201
Database
ISI
SICI code
0090-9556(199812)26:12<1199:L1A(AS>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
CYP51. is the only gene of the cytochrome P450 (P450, or CYP) superfamily t hat is expressed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In animals, the gene produc t, P45014DM, catalyzes the lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase reaction, an ess ential step in cholesterol biosynthesis. P45014DM serves a housekeeping rol e, and it was surprising to find the highest level of CYP51 expression in t he testes. This is a result of very high-level CYP51 expression in postmeio tic, haploid spermatids and results in elevated P45014DM activity in these cells. It is proposed that the elevated level of 14 alpha-demethylase activ ity leads to production of signaling sterols by haploid germ cells, althoug h the function of such sterols in males is unknown.