Definition
Aromatase is a cytochrome P450, hemoprotein-containing enzyme, located in the endoplasmic reticulum, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone), to estrogens (estrone and estradiol). Agents that inhibit aromatase (aromatase inhibitors) are widely used to prevent the development and progression of estrogen dependent breast cancers.
Basic Characteristics
Estrogen biosynthesis is mediated by the aromatase enzyme, which is a product of the CYP19 gene. The aromatase enzyme is a complex that consists of cyctochrome P450 hemoprotein and a flavoprotein, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. This complex is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of steroidal C-19 androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) to C-18 estrogens (estrone and estradiol), which is the rate-limiting final step in the synthesis of estrogens (Fig. 1). This enzymatic reaction is comprised of three steps each of which requires 1M equiv. of NADPH and...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Simpson ER, Clyne C, Rubin G et al (2002) Aromatase – A Brief Overview. Annu Rev Physiol 54:93–127
Dowsett M (1996) Biological background to aromatase inhibition. Breast 5:196–201
Dixon MJ (2006) Aromatase inhibitors in early beast cancer therapy: a variety of treatment strategies. Expert Opin 7:(18)2465–2479
Buzdar AU (2005–2006) Aromatase inhibitors: changing the face of endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Breast dis 24: 107–117
Pandya N, Morris GJ (2006) Toxicity of Aromatase Inhibitors. Semin Oncol 33:688–695
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
Shaheenah, D., Fellow, S.G.K., Buzdar, A.U. (2008). Aromatase. In: Offermanns, S., Rosenthal, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_236
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_236
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-38916-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-38918-7
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences