This gene encodes a very important 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) that converts estrone into estradiol in ovarian tissue. This enzyme is also involved in fatty acid elongation. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2011]
Forensic Context
A study in healthy young women demonstrated that mRNA expression of the HSD17B12 in whole adipose tissue was lower in heavier co-twins compared to their leaner counterparts and correlated inversely with percent body fat and subcutaneous fat [Vihma et al. DOI:10.1016/j.steroids.2018.08.006]. In irradiated skin tissues from mice and rats, the HSD17B12 gene was upregulated and identified as a key fatty acid-associated gene involved in fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and fatty acid elongation [Tu et al. DOI:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.01.001].