Background: Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) fosters cholesterol into the adrenal and gonadal mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis. Results: Voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) knockdown ablated pregnenolone synthesis and StAR processing into the mitochondria. Conclusion: Interaction between StAR and VDAC2 is critical for steroidogenesis. Significance: VDAC2 is a crucial regulator for initiating steroidogenesis.

Background:The role of mitochondrial translocases in steroid hormone synthesis is investigated. Results: Expression of inner mitochondrial translocase Tim50 is essential for DHEA and androstenedione synthesis. Conclusion: Tim50 interacts with 3␤HSD2 for steroid hormone synthesis. Significance: During steroidogenesis, the flexibility of 3␤HSD2 is essential to coordinate interaction between Tim50 and Tom22.

ER chaperone GRP78 is the central regulator of adrenals and gonadal steroid synthesis for mammalian survival.

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