(5alpha)-23-methyl-4-aza-21-norchol-1-ene-3,20-dione

Description

You're describing a **steroid** with a specific chemical structure. Here's a breakdown:

* **(5α)-:** This indicates the configuration at carbon 5 is in the alpha position. Steroids have multiple rings, and this detail affects the molecule's 3D shape.
* **23-methyl-:** A methyl group (CH3) is attached at carbon 23.
* **4-aza-:** A nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom at position 4 in the steroid ring system.
* **21-norchol-:** This indicates a modification to the cholane backbone. Nor means a carbon atom has been removed, specifically at position 21.
* **1-ene-:** A double bond exists between carbons 1 and 2.
* **3,20-dione:** There are two ketone functional groups (C=O) at carbons 3 and 20.

**Importance in Research:**

This particular steroid is a derivative of **androstenedione**, a naturally occurring hormone. While it's not found naturally, it's synthesized and studied for several reasons:

* **Pharmacological Activity:** Modifications like the nitrogen at position 4 and the removal of carbon 21 can alter the molecule's ability to bind to hormone receptors. This could create compounds with new and interesting pharmacological effects.
* **Probing Biological Processes:** By studying how this synthetic steroid interacts with biological systems, researchers gain insights into the mechanisms of hormone action and potential targets for drug development.
* **Investigating Structure-Activity Relationships:** By systematically modifying the steroid structure and observing its effects, researchers can develop a better understanding of how molecular structure impacts biological activity.

**Specific Research Applications:**

* **Drug Discovery:** Compounds with similar structures are explored for their potential in treating conditions like cancer, inflammation, and hormone-related disorders.
* **Hormone Research:** This molecule might be used to investigate the role of androgen receptors in various biological processes.
* **Chemistry Research:** Studying the synthesis and modification of this steroid could contribute to the development of new synthetic techniques.

**Important Note:** To be truly helpful, we need more context. Is this a specific molecule being investigated in a particular study? Knowing the specific research area will help me provide more detailed and relevant information.

(5alpha)-23-methyl-4-aza-21-norchol-1-ene-3,20-dione: structure given in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]