AKR1A1

This gene encodes a member of the aldo/keto reductase superfamily, which consists of more than 40 known enzymes and proteins. This member, also known as aldehyde reductase, is involved in the reduction of biogenic and xenobiotic aldehydes and is present in virtually every tissue. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene exist, all encoding the same protein. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2011]

Full Name

Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member A1

Function

Catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of a wide variety of carbonyl-containing compounds to their corresponding alcohols. Displays enzymatic activity towards endogenous metabolites such as aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, ketones, monosaccharides and bile acids, with a preference for negatively charged substrates, such as glucuronate and succinic semialdehyde (PubMed:10510318). Functions as a detoxifiying enzyme by reducing a range of toxic aldehydes. Reduces methylglyoxal and 3-deoxyglucosone, which are present at elevated levels under hyperglycemic conditions and are cytotoxic. Involved also in the detoxification of lipid-derived aldehydes like acrolein (By similarity). Plays a role in the activation of procarcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon trans-dihydrodiols, and in the metabolism of various xenobiotics and drugs, including the anthracyclines doxorubicin (DOX) and daunorubicin (DAUN) (PubMed:18276838, PubMed:11306097). Displays no reductase activity towards retinoids (By similarity).

Biological Process

Aldehyde catabolic process Source: Ensembl
Cellular aldehyde metabolic process Source: ProtInc
Cellular detoxification of aldehyde Source: UniProtKB
Daunorubicin metabolic process Source: UniProtKB
D-glucuronate catabolic process Source: Ensembl
doxorubicin metabolic process Source: UniProtKB
Glucose metabolic process Source: ProtInc
Glucuronate catabolic process to xylulose 5-phosphate Source: Reactome
Glutathione derivative biosynthetic process Source: Reactome
L-ascorbic acid biosynthetic process Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytosol; Apical cell membrane