iDrugBank

Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme

MESHD002786

A mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes the side-chain cleavage of C27 cholesterol to C21 pregnenolone in the presence of molecular oxygen and NADPH-FERRIHEMOPROTEIN REDUCTASE. This enzyme, encoded by CYP11A1 gene, catalyzes the breakage between C20 and C22 which is the initial and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of various gonadal and adrenal steroid hormones.

Synonyms

  • Cholesterol Side Chain Cleavage Enzyme
  • Cytochrome P450 11A1
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP11A1
  • Cytochrome P 450 CYP11A1
  • Cholesterol Monooxygenase (Side-Chain-Cleaving)
  • CYP11A1
  • 20,22-Desmolase
  • 20,22 Desmolase
  • Cholesterol Desmolase
  • Cytochrome P-450(scc)
  • CYP 11A1
  • Cytochrome P450scc

Source last updated 2026-05-24T15:28:01.396Z