Estrane

Estrane is a type of sterane, a class of chemical compounds that are derived from steroids. Estrane is a parent compound for several important hormones, including estrogens, which are vital for many biological processes in both males and females.

Structure and Properties

Estrane is a 19-carbon steroid. Its structure is based on the gonane core, but with an additional carbon atom at position 13. This carbon atom is part of a methyl group, which is attached to the gonane core. The presence of this methyl group is what distinguishes estrane from other types of steranes.

Estrane has a number of important chemical properties. For example, it is a hydrophobic molecule, which means that it does not dissolve in water. This property is important for its role in the body, as it allows estrane to pass through cell membranes and interact with intracellular receptors.

Biological Role

Estrane is a precursor to the estrogens, a group of hormones that play key roles in the reproductive systems of both males and females. In females, estrogens are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy. In males, estrogens help to regulate the production of sperm.

Estrane is also a precursor to other types of hormones, including progestogens and androgens. These hormones are involved in a wide range of biological processes, from the regulation of metabolism and immune function to the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Synthesis

Estrane is synthesized in the body from cholesterol. This process involves several steps, and is regulated by a number of enzymes. The first step in the synthesis of estrane is the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone by the enzyme cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme. Pregnenolone is then converted to progesterone, which is subsequently converted to estrane.

See Also

• Steroid
• Estrogen
• Androgen
• Progestogen
• Cholesterol