Human DHRS11 is for the first time characterized enzymatically.
It is found to be a reductive 3β/17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Its properties differ from those of known 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
Its potential roles in sex hormone, neurosteroid, androgen, estrogen and bile acid metabolism are is proposed.
Its mRNA is highly expressed in testis, kidney, intestine, brain and cancer cells.