A novel promoter for the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 gene is active in lung and is C/EBPalpha independent.

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) increases intracellular glucocorticoid action by converting inactive to active glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) within cells. It is highly expressed in glucocorticoid target tissues including liver and lung, and at modest levels in adipose tissue and brain. A selective increase in adipose 11beta-HSD1 expression occurs in obese humans and rodents and is likely to be of pathogenic importance in the metabolic syndrome.