Mitochondrial Cholesterol Transport in Steroidogenesis
Steroid Hormone Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Metabolism
Mitochondrial Cholesterol Transport in Steroidogenesis
Mitochondrial cholesterol transport makes substrate available to the inner-membrane enzyme CYP11A1. Moving cholesterol from cellular supplies and mitochondrial outer-membrane regions to the reaction site is a key regulated process in classical steroidogenic cells.
A membrane problem
Cholesterol is hydrophobic and associates with lipid membranes. Its transfer therefore requires organized protein and membrane interactions rather than unrestricted movement through the aqueous cytoplasm.
Acute control
StAR-dependent processes are especially important for rapidly stimulated adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. Chronic stimulation also changes cholesterol supply and enzyme expression.
Distinguish the steps
Transport is separate from side-chain cleavage and from later reactions in the endoplasmic reticulum. A defect in any one of these stages can reduce final hormone output. Identifying the stage helps explain why different steroidogenic defects produce different precursor patterns.
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