5α-reductase

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-000021",
  "term": "5α-reductase",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An enzyme that metabolizes testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), by reducing the double bond between carbons 4 and 5. This conversion is a key step in the androgen signaling pathway, responsible for the differentiation of male external genitalia during embryogenesis and the development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. Inhibitors of 5α-reductase, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia.",
  "synonyms": [
    "alpha-reductase"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "testosterone"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 799 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/5a-reductase/"
}