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Pathway Description
Ovarian Steroidogenesis
Homo sapiens
Physiological Pathway
Created: 2025-09-25
Last Updated: 2025-11-09
This pathway describes the molecular pathway of steroid synthesis in human ovarian cells, specifically within theca and granulosa cells of the ovary. The process begins when luteinizing hormone (LH) binds to its receptor on the theca cell membrane, activating a G protein complex, which in turn stimulates adenylate cyclase to produce cAMP. The increase in cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which then moves from the cytosol into the nucleus to phosphorylate CREB, a transcription factor. Phosphorylated CREB promotes expression of the StAR (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory) protein, which is transported to the mitochondria to facilitate cholesterol transfer across mitochondrial membranes, the first step in steroid hormone synthesis. Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, which is then processed through a series of enzymatic reactions to form androstenedione in the theca cells. Androstenedione is transported to the granulosa cells, where it is converted into estrone and estradiol, the primary estrogens. These hormones are ultimately secreted into the bloodstream, completing the pathway that links LH stimulation to estrogen production and release.
References
Ovarian Steroidogenesis References
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Pubmed: 38384970
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Pubmed: 12853948
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Pubmed: 27108799
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Pubmed: 27668284
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Pubmed: 28087732
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Pubmed: 10833460
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Pubmed: 2342480
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Pubmed: 9598317
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