Genetics of Steroid Biosynthesis and Function / Edition 1

by J.I. Mason

Overview

Steroids are among the most widely prescribed drugs for humans, and steroid signaling pathways are present in vertebrates, plants, insects and fungi, presenting new avenues for biotechnological intervention. Genetics of Steroid Biosynthesis and Function focuses on the genetic and cellular aspects of mammalian steroid hormones with particular attention to inherited gene lesions. With contributions from a panel of international experts, this volume provides an accessible, up-to-date overview of modern steroid biology for both the professional and novice researcher alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415278782
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/23/2002
Series:	Modern Genetics Series , #6
Pages:	498
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

J.I. Mason

Table of Contents

Steroid Biosynthesis: Enzymology, Integration and Control. Sterol Biosynthesis. Vitamin D Biosynthesis and its Disorders. Bile Acid Biosynthesis. Cholesterol Metabolism in Steroidogenic Tissues. Steroid 21-Hydroxylase. Steroid 11ß-Hydroxylase Isozymes. 3ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/ Isomerase Deficiency. Human 17a-Hydroxylase/17, 20-Lyase. Aromatase: Insights into the Roles of Estrogens Revealed by Natural and Targeted Mutations. 17ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5a-Reductase Deficiencies. Steroid Metabolism in Peripheral Tissues. Animal Models of Impaired Steroidgenesis. Regulation of Gene Expression by the Nuclear Receptor Family. Neurosteroids and Brain Sterols.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Catherine Pihoker, MD (University of Washington School of Medicine)
Description: This book, a volume in the Modern Genetics series, is intended to provide up-to-date information on steroid synthesis and function.
Purpose: Tissue-specific structure, function, and regulation of steroid enzymes and the genes encoding the enzymes are presented. The book covers molecular genetics of impaired steroidgenesis and pharmacological action of steroids and agents affecting steroid synthesis and action.
Audience: The audience for the Modern Genetics series includes researchers and clinicians. As such, this volume ambitiously includes material in animal models and humans. The book assumes readers have a solid understanding of steroid action and molecular genetics. Clinical situations resulting from mutations are presented with brief descriptions of normal findings as well as the physiological changes resulting from the mutations. Recognized authorities have contributed to this book. Their expertise and recent contributions to the field are evident.
Features: Multiple aspects of steroid metabolism are addressed. Studies in animals and humans are included, as well as clinical scenarios exemplifying abnormal steroidgenesis. In some chapters the genetic studies referenced alternate between animal an human models, without clarity as to whether a finding refers to animal or human. Format and use of illustrations or tables varies from one chapter to the next. More consistent use of figures would complement some of the text. References are consistently up-to-date and include material that serves as the backbone of understanding.
Assessment: This book contains interesting, up-to-date material dealing with many aspects of steroid metabolism. The selection of material is likely to be helpful to a wide audience. The book ambitiously bridges the basic research and clinical realms of the field. Material that may provide additional background to readers less familiar with a particular field is lacking in parts; usually recent informative references are provided.

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