Aromatase

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens by removing a carbon atom and aromatizing the steroid ring. It is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene.

CYP19A1: CYP19A1 is the gene that encodes aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme. This gene supplies the instructions for the enzyme whose reactions define this page.
Aromatase inhibitor: An aromatase inhibitor is a drug that reduces estrogen synthesis by blocking aromatase. These drugs exploit the enzyme’s role in estrogen production.
Steroid: A steroid is a lipid molecule built around a characteristic four-ring carbon framework. Androgens and estrogens share this framework, which aromatase modifies.
Granulosa cell: A granulosa cell is an ovarian follicle cell that supports the oocyte and produces hormones. Granulosa cells use aromatase to make estrogens from theca-derived androgens.
Estrogen receptor: An estrogen receptor is a protein that binds estrogens and alters cellular signaling or gene expression. Aromatase changes the availability of ligands that activate these receptors.
Androstenedione: Androstenedione is a steroid hormone and precursor that aromatase converts into estrone. It is one of aromatase’s principal androgen substrates.
Anastrozole: Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal drug that inhibits aromatase. It is a widely used example of pharmacological aromatase blockade.
Androgen: An androgen is a hormone or signaling molecule that activates androgen receptors and supports androgenic development. Androgens form the substrate class from which aromatase makes estrogens.
Placenta: The placenta is a temporary organ that supports fetal development and mediates exchange between maternal and fetal blood. Placental aromatase produces estrogens during pregnancy and limits fetal androgen exposure.
Menopause: Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual cycles after ovarian function declines. After ovarian estrogen production falls, aromatase in peripheral tissues becomes a significant estrogen source.

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