SRD5A2

SRD5A2, or steroid 5α-reductase 2, alias 3-oxo-5α-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2, type II 5α-reductase, and others. It is a microsomal enzyme that is encoded by the SRD5A2 gene primarily in humans and is highly expressed in androgen-sensitive tissues such as the prostate.The mechanism of action of SRD5A2 is through the catalytic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has a greater ability to bind to the hair follicle androgen receptor, a process that has an important role in sexual differentiation and androgen physiology.

In addition, SRD5A2 is involved in the metabolism of other steroid hormones.SRD5A2 has a wide range of biological significance, which is not only involved in regulating the normal development and function of the reproductive system, but is also associated with a variety of diseases. For example, mutations in the SRD5A2 gene can lead to male pseudohermaphroditism, especially pseudovaginal perineal hypospadias. In addition, altered activity of SRD5A2 is associated with the development of prostate cancer, and its aberrant expression may promote prostate cancer progression. In drug research, SRD5A2 inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride have been widely used to treat diseases such as prostate enlargement. Therefore, SRD5A2 is an important target in the study and treatment of sex hormone-related diseases.