3-Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 (HSD3b2)

HSD3B2 is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative conversion of delta(5)-ene-3-beta-hydroxy steroid, and the oxidative conversion of ketosteroids. It plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of all classes of hormonal steroids. This gene is predominantly expressed in the adrenals and the gonads. Mutations in this gene are associated with 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type II, deficiency. HSD3B subtype-specific quantitative RT-PCR analysis of mouse adrenal gland tissues revealed that expression of mouse Hsd3b6, which is the functional counterpart of HSD3B1, was considerably enriched in zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal gland, whereas expression of mouse Hsd3b1, which is the functional counterpart of HSD3B2, was predominantly expressed in zona fasciculata cells.