Aromatase

Cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1
Crystallographic structure of the human aromatase cytochrome P450 (rainbow colored cartoon, N-terminus = blue, C-terminus = red) in complex with the cofactor protoporphyrin IX (top) and the substrate androstenedione (bottom) depicted as stick diagrams (carbon = white, oxygen = red, nitrogen = blue, iron = orange).[1]
Available structures PDB 3EQM
Identifiers
Symbols	CYP19A1; ARO; ARO1; CPV1; CYAR; CYP19; MGC104309; P-450AROM
External IDs	OMIM: 107910 MGI: 88587 HomoloGene: 30955 GeneCards: CYP19A1 Gene
EC number	1.14.14.1
Gene Ontology Molecular function • monooxygenase activity • iron ion binding • aromatase activity • electron carrier activity • oxygen binding • heme binding • metal ion binding • unspecific monooxygenase activity Cellular component • membrane fraction • endoplasmic reticulum • microsome • membrane Biological process • electron transport • steroid biosynthetic process Sources: Amigo / QuickGO
RNA expression pattern
More reference expression data
Orthologs
Species	Human	Mouse
Entrez	1588	13075
Ensembl	ENSG00000137869	ENSMUSG00000032274
UniProt	P11511	Q3ZAT3
RefSeq (mRNA)	NM_000103	NM_007810
RefSeq (protein)	NP_000094	NP_031836
Location (UCSC)	Chr 15: 49.29 – 49.4 Mb	Chr 9: 53.96 – 53.99 Mb
PubMed search	[1]	[2]

Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogens. It is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily (EC 1.14.14.1), which are monooxygenases that catalyze many reactions involved in steroidogenesis. In particular, aromatase is responsible for the aromatization of androgens into estrogens. The aromatase enzyme can be found in many tissues including gonads, brain, adipose tissue, placenta, blood vessels, skin, bone, and endometrium, as well as in tissue of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer.^{[citation needed]} It is an important factor in sexual development.^{[citation needed]} Some bodybuilders taking steroids also take antiaromatase supplements to prevent excess testosterone conversion into estrogens, which can cause gynecomastia.^{[citation needed]}

Function

Aromatase is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum where it is regulated by tissue-specific promoters that are in turn controlled by hormones, cytokines, and other factors. It catalyzes the last steps of estrogen biosynthesis from androgens (specifically, it transforms androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol). These steps include three successive hydroxylations of the 19-methyl group of androgens, followed by simultaneous elimination of the methyl group as formate and aromatization of the A-ring (see Figure).

General reaction for the conversion of testosterone to estradiol catalyzed by aromatase. Steroids are composed of four fused rings (labeled A-D). Aromatase converts the ring labeled "A" into an aromatic state.

Catalytic mechanism of aromatase. The methyl group is a oxidized and subsequently eliminated.^[2]

Genomics

The gene expresses two transcript variants.^[3] In humans, the gene CYP19, located on chromosome 15q21.1, encodes the aromatase enzyme.^[4] CYP19 is present in an early-diverging chordate, the cephalochordate amphioxus (the Florida lancelet, Branchiostoma floridae), but not in the earlier diverging tunicate Ciona intestinalis. Thus, the aromatase gene evolved early in chordate evolution and does not appear to be present in nonchordate invertebrates (e.g. insects, molluscs, echinoderms, sponges, corals). However, estrogens may be synthesized in some of these organisms, via other unknown pathways.

Activity

Factors known to increase aromatase activity include age, obesity, insulin, gonadotropins, and alcohol. Aromatase activity is decreased by prolactin, anti-Müllerian hormone, and smoking. Aromatase activity appears to be enhanced in certain estrogen-dependent local tissue next to breast tissue, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Disorders

Aromatase excess syndrome

A number of investigators have reported on a rather rare syndrome of excess aromatase activity. In boys, it can lead to gynecomastia, and in girls to precocious puberty and gigantomastia. In both sexes, early epiphyseal closure leads to short stature.

Aromatase deficiency syndrome

This syndrome is due to a mutation of gene CYP19 and inherited in an autosomal recessive way. Accumulations of androgens during pregnancy may lead to virilization of a female at birth (males are not affected). Females will have primary amenorrhea. Individuals of both sexes will be tall, as lack of estrogen does not bring the epiphyseal lines to closure.

Aromatase inhibitors

Main article: Aromatase inhibitor

The inhibition of the enzyme leads to profound hypoestrogenism (low estrogen levels). Thus, aromatase inhibitors have become useful in the management of patients with breast cancer whose lesion was found to be estrogen receptor positive. An example of an aromatase inhibitor is letrozole, marketed originally under the name 'Femara.' Aromatase inhibitors are also beginning to be prescribed to men on testosterone replacement therapy as a way to keep estrogen levels from spiking once doses of testosterone are introduced to their systems.

Extracts of certain (white button variety: Agaricus bisporus) mushrooms have been shown to inhibit aromatase in vitro.^[5]

References

1. ^ PDB 3EQM; Ghosh D, Griswold J, Erman M, Pangborn W (January 2009). "Structural basis for androgen specificity and oestrogen synthesis in human aromatase". Nature 457 (7226): 219–23. doi:10.1038/nature07614. PMID 19129847. 
2. ^ Vaz ADN (2003). "Chapter 1: Cytochrome activation by cytochromes P450: a role for multiple oxidants in the oxidation of substrates". In Fisher, Michael; Lee, Jae Kyu; Obach, Robert E.. Drug metabolizing enzymes: cytochrome P450 and other enzymes in drug discovery and development. Lausanne, Switzerland: FontisMedia SA. ISBN 0-8247-4293-1. 
3. ^ "Entrez Gene: CYP19A1 cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=gene&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=1588. 
4. ^ Toda K, Shizuta Y (April 1993). "Molecular cloning of a cDNA showing alternative splicing of the 5'-untranslated sequence of mRNA for human aromatase P-450". Eur. J. Biochem. 213 (1): 383–9. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.1993.tb17772.x. PMID 8477708. 
5. ^ Chen S, Oh SR, Phung S, Hur G, Ye JJ, Kwok SL, Shrode GE, Belury M, Adams LS, Williams D (December 2006). "Anti-aromatase activity of phytochemicals in white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)". Cancer Res. 66 (24): 12026–34. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-2206. PMID 17178902. 

Further reading

• Attar E, Bulun SE (May 2006). "Aromatase inhibitors: the next generation of therapeutics for endometriosis?". Fertil. Steril. 85 (5): 1307–18. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.09.064. PMID 16647373. 
• Chen S (2004). "Aromatase and breast cancer". Front. Biosci. 3: d922–33. PMID 9696881. 
• Strobel HW, Thompson CM, Antonovic L (2001). "Cytochromes P450 in brain: function and significance". Curr. Drug Metab. 2 (2): 199–214. doi:10.2174/1389200013338577. PMID 11469726. 
• Simpson ER, Clyne C, Rubin G, et al. (2002). "Aromatase--a brief overview". Annu. Rev. Physiol. 64: 93–127. doi:10.1146/annurev.physiol.64.081601.142703. PMID 11826265. 
• Bulun SE, Yang S, Fang Z, et al. (2002). "Role of aromatase in endometrial disease". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 79 (1–5): 19–25. doi:10.1016/S0960-0760(01)00134-0. PMID 11850203. 
• Balthazart J, Baillien M, Ball GF (2002). "Phosphorylation processes mediate rapid changes of brain aromatase activity". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 79 (1–5): 261–77. doi:10.1016/S0960-0760(01)00143-1. PMID 11850233. 
• Richards JA, Petrel TA, Brueggemeier RW (2002). "Signaling pathways regulating aromatase and cyclooxygenases in normal and malignant breast cells". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 80 (2): 203–12. doi:10.1016/S0960-0760(01)00187-X. PMID 11897504. 
• Balthazart J, Baillien M, Ball GF (2002). "Interactions between aromatase (estrogen synthase) and dopamine in the control of male sexual behavior in quail". Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B, Biochem. Mol. Biol. 132 (1): 37–55. doi:10.1016/S1096-4959(01)00531-0. PMID 11997208. 
• Meinhardt U, Mullis PE (2002). "The aromatase cytochrome P-450 and its clinical impact". Horm. Res. 57 (5–6): 145–52. doi:10.1159/000058374. PMID 12053085. 
• Carreau S, Bourguiba S, Lambard S, et al. (2003). "Reproductive system: aromatase and estrogens". Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 193 (1–2): 137–43. doi:10.1016/S0303-7207(02)00107-7. PMID 12161013. 
• Meinhardt U, Mullis PE (2003). "The essential role of the aromatase/p450arom". Semin. Reprod. Med. 20 (3): 277–84. doi:10.1055/s-2002-35374. PMID 12428207. 
• Carreau S, Bourguiba S, Lambard S, Galeraud-Denis I (2003). "[Testicular aromatase]". J. Soc. Biol. 196 (3): 241–4. PMID 12462076. 
• Carani C, Fabbi M, Zirilli L, Sgarbi I (2003). "[Estrogen resistance and aromatase deficiency in humans]". J. Soc. Biol. 196 (3): 245–8. PMID 12462077. 
• Kragie L (2003). "Aromatase in primate pregnancy: a review". Endocr. Res. 28 (3): 121–8. doi:10.1081/ERC-120015041. PMID 12489562. 
• Simpson ER (2004). "Biology of aromatase in the mammary gland". Journal of mammary gland biology and neoplasia 5 (3): 251–8. doi:10.1023/A:1009590626450. PMID 14973387. 
• Bulun SE, Takayama K, Suzuki T, et al. (2004). "Organization of the human aromatase p450 (CYP19) gene". Semin. Reprod. Med. 22 (1): 5–9. doi:10.1055/s-2004-823022. PMID 15083376. 
• Simpson ER (2004). "Aromatase: biologic relevance of tissue-specific expression". Semin. Reprod. Med. 22 (1): 11–23. doi:10.1055/s-2004-823023. PMID 15083377. 
• Bulun SE, Fang Z, Imir G, et al. (2004). "Aromatase and endometriosis". Semin. Reprod. Med. 22 (1): 45–50. doi:10.1055/s-2004-823026. PMID 15083380. 
• Shozu M, Murakami K, Inoue M (2004). "Aromatase and leiomyoma of the uterus". Semin. Reprod. Med. 22 (1): 51–60. doi:10.1055/s-2004-823027. PMID 15083381. 
• Chen S, Ye J, Kijima I, et al. (2005). "Positive and negative transcriptional regulation of aromatase expression in human breast cancer tissue". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 95 (1–5): 17–23. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.002. PMID 15955695. 
• Lambard S, Silandre D, Delalande C, et al. (2005). "Aromatase in testis: expression and role in male reproduction". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 95 (1–5): 63–9. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.020. PMID 16019206. 
• Bulun SE, Imir G, Utsunomiya H, et al. (2005). "Aromatase in endometriosis and uterine leiomyomata". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 95 (1–5): 57–62. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.012. PMID 16024248. 
• Lambard S, Carreau S (2005). "Aromatase and oestrogens in human male germ cells". Int. J. Androl. 28 (5): 254–9. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00546.x. PMID 16128984. 
• Ellem SJ, Risbridger GP (2006). "Aromatase and prostate cancer". Minerva Endocrinol. 31 (1): 1–12. PMID 16498360. 
• Brueggemeier RW, Díaz-Cruz ES (2006). "Relationship between aromatase and cyclooxygenases in breast cancer: potential for new therapeutic approaches". Minerva Endocrinol. 31 (1): 13–26. PMID 16498361. 
• Jongen VH, Hollema H, Van Der Zee AG, Heineman MJ (2006). "Aromatase in the context of breast and endometrial cancer. A review". Minerva Endocrinol. 31 (1): 47–60. PMID 16498363. 
• Hiltunen M, Iivonen S, Soininen H (2006). "Aromatase enzyme and Alzheimer's disease". Minerva Endocrinol. 31 (1): 61–73. PMID 16498364. 

External links

• "U.S. study of gay sheep may shed light on sexuality", via WikiNews, 15 August 2005.