Steroid 5 Alpha Reductase 2 (SRD5a2)

SRD5a2 encodes a microsomal protein expressed at high levels in androgen-sensitive tissues such as the prostate. The encoded protein is active at acidic pH and is sensitive to the 4-azasteroid inhibitor finasteride. Deficiencies in this gene can result in male pseudohermaphroditism, specifically pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias (PPSH).

Steroid 5-alpha-reductase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).The cDNA contains a long 3-prime untranslated region and encodes a hydrophobic 254-amino acid protein that shares 50% sequence identity with human SRD5A1 and 46% identity with rat 5-alpha-reductase. The biochemical and pharmacologic properties of the enzyme were consistent with its being the major isozyme in genital tissue.