Normal Function
The CYP19A1 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme converts a class of hormones called androgens, which are involved in male sexual development, to different forms of the female sex hormone estrogen.
In cells, aromatase is found in a structure called the endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein production, processing, and transport. The activity (expression) of aromatase varies among different cell types depending on the cells' need for estrogen. In females, aromatase is most active in the ovaries, where it guides sexual development. In males, aromatase is most active in fat (adipose) tissue. In both males and females, estrogen plays a role in regulating bone growth and blood sugar (glucose) levels. During fetal development, aromatase converts androgens to estrogens in the placenta, which is the link between the mother's blood supply and the fetus. This conversion in the placenta prevents androgens from directing sexual development in female fetuses. After birth, the conversion of androgens to estrogens takes place in multiple tissues.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Aromatase deficiency
More than 20 mutations in the CYP19A1 gene have been found to cause aromatase deficiency. This condition is characterized by reduced levels of estrogen and increased levels of androgens. These abnormal hormone levels lead to impaired sexual development in affected females and unusual bone growth, insulin resistance, and other signs and symptoms in both males and females with the condition. CYP19A1 gene mutations that cause aromatase deficiency decrease or eliminate aromatase activity. A lack of aromatase function results in an inability to convert androgens to estrogens before birth and throughout life. As a result, there is a decrease in estrogen production and an increase in the levels of androgens, including testosterone. In women who are pregnant with an affected fetus, excess androgens in the placenta pass into the woman's bloodstream, and may cause her to have temporary signs and symptoms of aromatase deficiency.
More About This Health ConditionAromatase excess syndrome
More than 10 rearrangements of genetic material involving the CYP19A1 gene have been found to cause aromatase excess syndrome. This condition is characterized by the increased conversion of androgens to estrogen. As a result, affected males have enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) and short stature; affected females can have irregular menstrual periods and short stature.
Several types of genetic rearrangement involving the CYP19A1 gene can cause aromatase excess syndrome. Some genetic rearrangements that cause aromatase excess syndrome duplicate parts of the CYP19A1 gene, doubling some of the instructions used for making the enzyme. As a result, more enzyme than normal is produced. Other genetic rearrangements, called deletions, remove (delete) parts of the CYP19A1 gene and a nearby gene. The remaining DNA is then fused together, creating a fusion gene composed of parts of two different genes. These fusion genes always contain part of the CYP19A1 gene, but can involve a piece of one of several other genes. As a result of these fusion genes, the CYP19A1 gene is active (expressed) in tissues where it is not normally expressed so more aromatase than normal is produced. Another type of rearrangement, called an inversion, occurs when DNA is broken in two places and the resulting piece of DNA is reversed and reinserted into the chromosome. Inversions involving the CYP19A1 gene and a nearby gene also result in the production of a fusion gene. These fusion genes lead to increased aromatase production.
The increase in aromatase production caused by CYP19A1 gene rearrangements leads to increased estrogen production, which results in the signs and symptoms of aromatase excess syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionBreast cancer
MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Breast cancer
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- ARO
- ARO1
- aromatase
- CP19A_HUMAN
- CPV1
- CYAR
- CYP19
- CYPXIX
- cytochrome P-450AROM
- cytochrome P450 19A1
- cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1
- cytochrome P450, subfamily XIX (aromatization of androgens)
- estrogen synthase
- estrogen synthetase
- flavoprotein-linked monooxygenase
- microsomal monooxygenase
- P-450AROM
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Belgorosky A, Guercio G, Pepe C, Saraco N, Rivarola MA. Genetic and clinical spectrum of aromatase deficiency in infancy, childhood and adolescence. Horm Res. 2009;72(6):321-30. doi: 10.1159/000249159. Epub 2009 Oct 21. Citation on PubMed
- Bulun SE, Sebastian S, Takayama K, Suzuki T, Sasano H, Shozu M. The human CYP19 (aromatase P450) gene: update on physiologic roles and genomic organization of promoters. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2003 Sep;86(3-5):219-24. doi: 10.1016/s0960-0760(03)00359-5. Citation on PubMed
- Czajka-Oraniec I, Simpson ER. Aromatase research and its clinical significance. Endokrynol Pol. 2010 Jan-Feb;61(1):126-34. Citation on PubMed
- Fukami M, Tsuchiya T, Vollbach H, Brown KA, Abe S, Ohtsu S, Wabitsch M, Burger H, Simpson ER, Umezawa A, Shihara D, Nakabayashi K, Bulun SE, Shozu M, Ogata T. Genomic basis of aromatase excess syndrome: recombination- and replication-mediated rearrangements leading to CYP19A1 overexpression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Dec;98(12):E2013-21. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-2520. Epub 2013 Sep 24. Citation on PubMed
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