Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH)

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are a superfamily of enzymes that catalyze the NAD(P)+-dependent oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. They play crucial roles in detoxification, biosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and regulatory mechanisms. Dysfunction or mutations in ALDH genes can lead to severe clinical phenotypes including inborn errors, cancer susceptibility, and neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic polymorphisms, such as those affecting *ALDH2*, are associated with alcohol intolerance and increased risk for certain cancers upon alcohol exposure.

Other names

Aldehyde dehydrogenasesALDHs

Catalyzes the NAD(P)+-dependent oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. Involves nucleophilic attack by cysteine on the aldehyde's carbonyl group, hydride transfer to NAD(P)+, and hydrolysis of a thioester intermediate.