EC number 1.1.1.146 Human Mouse | Species Human Entrez 3290 | |
 | ||
Aliases HSD11B1, 11-DH, 11-beta-HSD1, CORTRD2, HDL, HSD11, HSD11B, HSD11L, SDR26C1, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 External IDs OMIM: 600713 MGI: 103562 HomoloGene: 68471 GeneCards: HSD11B1 | ||
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, or 'cortisone reductase' is an NADPH-dependent enzyme highly expressed in key metabolic tissues including liver, adipose tissue, and the central nervous system. In these tissues, HSD11B1 reduces cortisone to the active hormone cortisol that activates glucocorticoid receptors.
Contents
Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the stress hormone cortisol to the inactive metabolite cortisone. In addition, the encoded protein can catalyze the reverse reaction, the conversion of cortisone to cortisol. Too much cortisol can lead to central obesity, and a particular variation in this gene has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance in children. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.
Clinical significance
11β-HSD1 is inhibited by carbenoxolone, a drug typically used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Moreover, 18alpha-glycyrrhizic acid from the root of glycyrrhiza glabra was discovered as an inhibitor.
Salicylate downregulates 11β-HSD1 expression in adipose tissue in obese mice and hence may explain why aspirin improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea can also potently inhibit this enzyme, which might partly explain the anti-stress properties of green tea consumption.