Description
This gene encodes an endoplasmic reticulum membrane oxidoreductase that is essential for multiple metabolic processes, including reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 proteins for metabolism of steroid hormones, drugs and xenobiotics. The encoded protein has a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-binding domain and a flavodoxin-like domain which bind two cofactors, FAD and FMN, that allow it to donate electrons directly from NADPH to all microsomal P450 enzymes. Mutations in this gene cause a complex set of disorders, including apparent combined P450C17 and P450C21 deficiency, amenorrhea and disordered steroidogenesis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Antley-Bixler syndrome, that resemble those caused by defects in steroid metabolizing enzymes such as aromatase, 21-hydroxylase, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase.