Aromatase (also known as Estrogen Synthetase, Estrogen Synthase): An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-produc
NIH MeSH · D001141Chemicals and Drugs
Aromatase
Also known asEstrogen Synthetase · Estrogen Synthase · Cytochrome P450 19 · CYP19 · Cytochrome P-450(AROM) · CYP 19 · Cytochrome P-450 CYP19 · Cytochrome P 450 CYP19 · P450AROM · Androstenedione Aromatase · Aromatase, Androstenedione · CYP19 Protein
Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. Aromatase is encoded by the CYP19 gene, and functions in complex with NADPH-FERRIHEMOPROTEIN REDUCTASE in the cytochrome P-450 system.
MeSH classification
D08.244.453.489.500
D08.244.453.915.099
D08.811.682.690.708.170.447.500
D08.811.682.690.708.170.915.099
D12.776.422.220.453.489.500
D12.776.422.220.453.915.099
Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?
An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. Aromatase is encoded by the CYP19 gene, and functions in complex with NADPH-FERRIHEMOPROTEIN REDUCTASE in the cytochrome P-450 system. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Aromatase known by any other names?
Yes. Aromatase is also referred to as Estrogen Synthetase, Estrogen Synthase, Cytochrome P450 19, CYP19 in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Aromatase sit in the medical classification?
Aromatase falls under the broader medical category "Chemicals and Drugs" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: D08.244.453.489.500, D08.244.453.915.099, D08.811.682.690.708.170.447.500). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Aromatase?
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