Anti-StAR antibody

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Biological function summary

The transport activity of StAR is important for the production of steroid hormones which are pivotal in numerous physiological functions. StAR does not function alone; it forms a part of a larger complex of proteins involved in mitochondrial cholesterol transfer. By enabling the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone a precursor to various steroid hormones StAR directly affects processes such as metabolism immune function and sexual differentiation. Abnormalities in these processes can result from disruptions in StAR's activity.

Pathways

The involvement of StAR in cholesterol transport places it in the important steroidogenic pathway. This pathway includes interactions with other pivotal proteins such as cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) which further converts cholesterol into pregnenolone. Another important pathway where StAR participates is the adrenal biosynthesis pathway linking it to the production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Disruption in these pathways due to StAR deficiency or malfunction can lead to severe biological implications.