Steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzymes as drug target

Human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are composed of 57 individual enzymes that perform monooxygenase activities. They have diverse physiological roles in metabolizing xenobiotics and producing important endogenous compounds, such as steroid hormones and vitamins. At least seven CYP enzymes are involved in steroid biosynthesis. Steroidogenesis primarily occurs in the adrenal glands and gonads, connecting each reaction to substrates and products. Steroids are essential for maintaining life and significantly contribute to sexual differentiation and reproductive functions within the body. Disorders in steroid biosynthesis can frequently cause serious health problems and lead to the development of diseases, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and Cushing’s syndrome. In this review, we provide current updated knowledge on the major CYP enzymes involved in the biosynthetic process of steroids, with respect to their enzymatic mechanisms and clinical implications for the development of new drug candidates.