Ning X, Yang Y, Deng H, Zhang Q, Huang Y, Su Z, Fu Y, Xiang Q, Zhang S. Development of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 as a target in hormone-dependent prostate cancer therapy.
Steroids 2017;
121:10-16. [PMID:
28267564 DOI:
10.1016/j.steroids.2017.02.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) is expressed almost exclusively in the testes and specifically converts the weak androgenic androstenedione to active testosterone (T) in the presence of NADPH. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that 17β-HSD3 is over-expressed in hormone-dependent prostate cancer. T, which interacts with the androgen receptor (AR), eventually stimulates the growth of prostate cancer cells. Defects in T synthesis or action impair the development of the male phenotype during embryogenesis and cause the autosomal recessive disorder male pseudohermaphroditism. Affected individuals are often born with female-appearing external genitalia and are reared as females. Since 17β-HSD3 plays a central role in T production, it has been recognized as a promising therapeutic target to reduce the circulating level of androgens and to suppress androgen-sensitive tumor proliferation. In recent decades, improvements have been made in the development of 17β-HSD3 inhibitors. Herein, we give an overview of the main structure and function of human 17β-HSD3 and summarize steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors of 17β-HSD3, which can be a potential target for prostate cancer.
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