Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive endocrine disorders characterized by a defect in one or more steps of adrenal steroidogenesis, with subsequent defective synthesis of cortisol, ACTH excess, accumulation of precursors, and their shunting through alternative pathways. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is congenital adrenal hyperplasia.