Date published: 2025-10-23

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StAR Activators

StAR, an acronym for Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein, is a vital component in the intricate biological process responsible for the synthesis of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones, which include cortisol, aldosterone, and sex steroids, play crucial roles in various physiological processes. At the cellular level, the transport of cholesterol from the outer mitochondrial membrane to the inner mitochondrial membrane is a critical step in steroid hormone production. This transport is predominantly facilitated by the StAR protein. Given the significance of StAR in steroidogenesis, compounds that can modulate its activity, specifically those that can activate it, are known as StAR activators.

StAR activators, from a chemical perspective, are diverse compounds that have been identified to augment the activity or expression of the StAR protein. Their mode of action primarily centers on enhancing the efficiency of cholesterol transport to the inner mitochondrial membrane, thus facilitating an increase in steroid hormone production. The chemical structures of these activators vary widely, which means they can belong to different chemical classes or families. The specific mechanism by which each activator influences StAR activity can differ, and this might be due to their interaction with different regulatory domains of the protein or associated cellular pathways. It's also important to understand that while these compounds can augment StAR activity, their influence on the broader spectrum of cellular processes and physiological outcomes can be complex and multi-faceted, warranting a comprehensive evaluation of their role and interactions within biological systems.

SEE ALSO...

Product NameCAS #Catalog #QUANTITYPriceCitationsRATING

Forskolin

66575-29-9sc-3562
sc-3562A
sc-3562B
sc-3562C
sc-3562D
5 mg
50 mg
1 g
2 g
5 g
$76.00
$150.00
$725.00
$1385.00
$2050.00
73
(3)

Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, leading to increased cyclic AMP levels. Elevated cAMP can activate protein kinase A, which might stimulate StAR expression and consequently enhance steroidogenesis.

22(R)-hydroxycholesterol

17954-98-2sc-205106
sc-205106A
sc-205106B
1 mg
5 mg
10 mg
$108.00
$350.00
$600.00
1
(1)

It's a direct precursor in steroidogenesis and might increase StAR expression to facilitate its own conversion to active steroid hormones.

A23187

52665-69-7sc-3591
sc-3591B
sc-3591A
sc-3591C
1 mg
5 mg
10 mg
25 mg
$54.00
$128.00
$199.00
$311.00
23
(1)

This ionophore increases intracellular calcium levels. Elevated calcium can activate certain signaling pathways, potentially enhancing StAR expression.

PMA

16561-29-8sc-3576
sc-3576A
sc-3576B
sc-3576C
sc-3576D
1 mg
5 mg
10 mg
25 mg
100 mg
$40.00
$129.00
$210.00
$490.00
$929.00
119
(6)

PMA activates protein kinase C, which may play a role in StAR expression and the regulation of steroid hormone synthesis.

Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate

60-92-4sc-217584
sc-217584A
sc-217584B
sc-217584C
sc-217584D
sc-217584E
100 mg
250 mg
5 g
10 g
25 g
50 g
$114.00
$175.00
$260.00
$362.00
$617.00
$1127.00
(1)

cAMP is a secondary messenger that activates protein kinase A. This can lead to an increase in StAR expression, thereby facilitating the transport of cholesterol for steroidogenesis.

Dibutyryl-cAMP

16980-89-5sc-201567
sc-201567A
sc-201567B
sc-201567C
20 mg
100 mg
500 mg
10 g
$45.00
$130.00
$480.00
$4450.00
74
(7)

It's a membrane-permeable cAMP analog. Like cAMP, it might activate PKA, possibly leading to increased StAR expression and steroid hormone synthesis.

Isoproterenol Hydrochloride

51-30-9sc-202188
sc-202188A
100 mg
500 mg
$27.00
$37.00
5
(0)

As a β-adrenergic agonist, it can increase cAMP levels in cells. Elevated cAMP levels may stimulate StAR expression and steroidogenesis.

Insulin

11061-68-0sc-29062
sc-29062A
sc-29062B
100 mg
1 g
10 g
$153.00
$1224.00
$12239.00
82
(1)

Insulin can regulate various aspects of steroidogenesis. It might influence the expression of StAR through its effect on intracellular signaling pathways.