Abstract:
The structure, gene character and distribution of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) were summarized, and the transport functions of StAR and it′s homologous protein were also expounded. In steroid hormone cells，StarD4 transports cholesterol to outer mitochondrial membrane, however, StAR transports cholesterol from outer mitochondria membrane to inner mitochondrial membrane. The influencing factors on StAR expression, includeing the positive and negative factors, indirectly affect the steroidogenesis. The suggestion on conformity of the transport function of StAR homologous protein and regulative mechanism of StAR in the steroidogenesis was proposed. It should be noticed that some factors affecting StAR expression result in functional abnormity of reproductive endocrine.
