ALDH7A1

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of subfamily 7 in the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family. These enzymes are thought to play a major role in the detoxification of aldehydes generated by alcohol metabolism and lipid peroxidation. This particular member has homology to a previously described protein from the green garden pea, the 26g pea turgor protein. It is also involved in lysine catabolism that is known to occur in the mitochondrial matrix. Recent reports show that this protein is found both in the cytosol and the mitochondria, and the two forms likely arise from the use of alternative translation initiation sites. An additional variant encoding a different isoform has also been found for this gene. Mutations in this gene are associated with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. Several related pseudogenes have also been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2011]

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 7 Family Member A1

Multifunctional enzyme mediating important protective effects. Metabolizes betaine aldehyde to betaine, an important cellular osmolyte and methyl donor. Protects cells from oxidative stress by metabolizing a number of lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes. Involved in lysine catabolism.

Cellular aldehyde metabolic process Source: UniProtKB
Choline catabolic process Source: Reactome
Glycine betaine biosynthetic process from choline Source: UniProtKB-UniPathway
Lysine catabolic process Source: Reactome
Sensory perception of sound Source: ProtInc

Nucleus; Cytosol
Isoform 1: Mitochondrion

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE): Characterized by a combination of various seizure types. It usually occurs in the first hours of life and is unresponsive to standard anticonvulsants, responding only to immediate administration of pyridoxine hydrochloride.