Essential for the synthesis of various steroid hormones (, ). Participates in the reduction of mitochondrial cytochrome P450 for steroidogenesis (, ). Transfers electrons from adrenodoxin reductase to CYP11A1, a cytochrome P450 that catalyzes cholesterol side-chain cleavage (, ). Does not form a ternary complex with adrenodoxin reductase and CYP11A1 but shuttles between the two enzymes to transfer electrons (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion matrix
Highest levels in the adrenal gland (at protein level). Also detected in kidney and testis (at protein level).