AKR1A1

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).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the aldo/keto reductase family.

Tissue specificity

Widely expressed. Highly expressed in kidney, salivary gland and liver. Detected in trachea, stomach, brain, lung, prostate, placenta, mammary gland, small intestine and lung.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Cytosol
• Apical cell membrane

Alternative names

• Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member A1
• Alcohol dehydrogenase [NADP(+)]
• Aldehyde reductase
• Glucuronate reductase
• Glucuronolactone reductase
• AKR1A1
• ALR
• ALDR1

Database links

• entrezGene:10327
• omim:103830
• swissprot:P14550

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

36573Da