Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is a critical enzyme in human steroidogenesis, responsible for producing essential hormones such as glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. It is a dual-function monooxygenase with both 17伪-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities. The 17伪-hydroxylase activity converts pregnenolone to 17伪-hydroxypregnenolone, while the 17,20-lyase activity cleaves carbon-carbon bonds to produce androgens like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). CYP17A1 is located on chromosome 10q24.3 and is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, which are known for their role in catalyzing various metabolic processes. Mutations in the CYP17A1 gene can lead to disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and sex development abnormalities due to impaired steroid hormone synthesis. Additionally, CYP17A1 is a therapeutic target in prostate cancer treatment, as it plays a role in androgen synthesis, which can drive cancer growth.