Aromatization

Aromatase is a cytochrome P450 enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of estrogens from androgens. It is normally expressed in a number of cells including those found in the female ovary and male testis. Furthermore, aromatase regulates estrogen synthesis in non-reproductive tissues such as the brain, adipose tissue, and bone. Diseases associated with estrogen deficiency and excess can be attributed to altered expression and/or mutations of CYP19, which is the gene that encodes for the aromatase enzyme. Current research has also identified synthetic inhibitors of aromatase that are used to clinically treat cancers associated with estrogen excess, particularly breast cancer.