This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes, which participate in drug metabolism and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This enzyme hydroxylates testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulphate, which is involved in the formation of estriol during pregnancy. This gene is part of a cluster of related genes on chromosome 7q21.1. Naturally-occurring readthrough transcription occurs between this gene and the downstream CYP3A51P pseudogene and is represented by GeneID:100861540. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2015]