AKR1C3 Human, His

Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C3 (AKR1C3), also known as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (17β-HSD5) or 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3α-HSD2), is a crucial enzyme in the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. This family comprises over 40 known enzymes and proteins that catalyze the conversion of aldehydes and ketones to their corresponding alcohols using NADH and/or NADPH as cofactors .

The AKR1C3 gene is located on chromosome 10p15-p14 and shares high sequence identity with three other gene members clustered in the same region . The gene encodes multiple transcript variants, resulting in different isoforms of the protein . The recombinant form of AKR1C3, tagged with a His tag, is often used in research to facilitate purification and detection.

AKR1C3 plays a significant role in steroid metabolism. It catalyzes the reduction of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), and phenanthrenequinone (PQ), and the oxidation of 9α,11β-PGF2 to PGD2 . Additionally, it is involved in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone . This enzyme’s activity is crucial for various physiological processes, including the development of allergic diseases such as asthma and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation .

AKR1C3 is overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and is associated with the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) . Its overexpression may serve as a promising biomarker for prostate cancer progression . The enzyme’s role in converting adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into high-affinity ligands for the androgen receptor (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) underscores its importance in steroidogenesis .

The recombinant form of AKR1C3, tagged with a His tag, is widely used in research to study its function and interactions. The His tag allows for easy purification and detection of the protein, facilitating various biochemical assays and structural studies .