Description
CYP19A1, also called Aromatase, is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogens. It is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, which are monooxygenases that catalyze many reactions involved in steroidogenesis. In particular, aromatase is responsible for the aromatization of androgens into estrogens. The CYP19 gene spans at least 70 kb of genomic DNA and contains 10 exons. By in situ hybridization, the ARO gene is mapped to 15q21.1. The aromatase enzyme can be found in many tissues including gonads, brain, adipose tissue, placenta, blood vessels, skin, bone, and endometrium, as well as in tissue of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. It is an important factor in sexual development. Some bodybuilders taking steroids also take antiaromatase supplements to prevent excess testosterone conversion into estrogens, which can cause gynecomastia