Endocrine Abstracts

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human obesity and insulin resistance through 11-oxoreductase activation of cortisone (E) to cortisol (F) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of adipocytes and hepatocytes. In its purified state 11beta-HSD1 is principally a dehydrogenase, converting F to E. Oxo-reductase activity can be regained by the addition of an NADPH regeneration system. In vivo hexose-6-phosphate ...

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11B-HSD1) catalyses the inter-conversion of cortisone and cortisol, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of disorders including insulin resistance and obesity. The enzyme is a glycosylated membrane-bound protein, located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and has proved difficult to purify in an active state. Previously, we reported the successful expression and purification of human 11B-HSD1 from E. co...

A form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is associated with accumulation of steroid metabolites indicating impaired 17alpha-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase activities. However, sequencing of CYP17 and CYP21 genes does not reveal mutations, suggesting the involvement of a co-factor interacting with both enzymes. Affected females present with ambiguous genitalia at delivery, but circulating androgens are low and virilisation does not progress, a paradox yet to be explained....