Recent advances in 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

The metabolism of steroids at position 17 is catalysed by a growing number of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs). Several human diseases like breast or prostate cancer, endometriosis, metabolic syndrome and mental diseases were associated with dysfunctions of 17β-HSDs, which consequently became drug targets. This review will focus on identities of 17β-HSDs and recent advances in analyses of their physiological roles in steroid and lipid metabolism. It will also address the potential of metabolomics in drug development.