Description
A bifunctional enzyme responsible for the oxidation and isomerization of 3beta-hydroxy-Delta5-steroid precursors to 3-oxo-Delta4-steroids, an essential step in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Specifically catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to 4-androstenedione, and androstenediol to testosterone (PubMed:1537836, PubMed:1985917). Additionally, catalyzes the interconversion between 3beta-hydroxy and 3-oxo-5alpha-androstane steroids controlling the bioavalability of the active forms. Specifically converts dihydrotestosterone to its inactive form 5alpha-androstanediol, that does not bind androgen receptor/AR. Also converts androstanedione, a precursor of testosterone and estrone, to epiandrosterone (PubMed:1537836). Expected to use NAD+ as preferred electron donor for the 3beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase activity and NADPH for the 3-ketosteroid reductase activity (Probable)