New Insights into Testosterone Biosynthesis: Novel Observations from HSD17B3 Deficient Mice.
Int J Mol Sci
; 23(24)2022 Dec 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36555196
ABSTRACT
Androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for male sexual development, masculinisation, and fertility. Testosterone is produced via the canonical androgen production pathway and is essential for normal masculinisation and testis function. Disruption to androgen production can result in disorders of sexual development (DSD). In the canonical pathway, 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3) is viewed as a critical enzyme in the production of testosterone, performing the final conversion required. HSD17B3 deficiency in humans is associated with DSD due to low testosterone concentration during development. Individuals with HSD17B3 mutations have poorly masculinised external genitalia that can appear as ambiguous or female, whilst having internal Wolffian structures and testes. Recent studies in mice deficient in HSD17B3 have made the surprising finding that testosterone production is maintained, male mice are masculinised and remain fertile, suggesting differences between mice and human testosterone production exist. We discuss the phenotypic differences observed and the possible other pathways and enzymes that could be contributing to testosterone production and male development. The identification of alternative testosterone synthesising enzymes could inform the development of novel therapies to endogenously regulate testosterone production in individuals with testosterone deficiency.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Testosterona
/
Andrógenos
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia