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Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (ALDH1A2)

Target: ALDH1A2
Molecular classification: Enzyme

Overview

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (ALDH1A2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of retinaldehyde to all-trans retinoic acid, the bioactive form of vitamin A, in a NAD-dependent manner. It is critical for embryonic development by activating retinoic acid receptors (RARs), regulating the formation of organs such as the heart and neural tube. In adult tissues, ALDH1A2 controls immune tolerance, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, by producing retinoic acid as a paracrine signal for immune cells. Genetic variants in ALDH1A2 are associated with congenital heart disease and osteoarthritis. The enzyme is amplified in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is being evaluated as a target for cancer therapy.

Other names: Retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A2

Mechanism of action

Inhibition of ALDH1A2 (may decrease retinoic acid production; therapeutic target in certain cancers) Activation/modulation (increasing retinoic acid availability for tissue development and regeneration)

Biological functions

Retinoic acid biosynthesisCell differentiationRegulation of immune responseEmbryonic developmentImmune tolerance in mucosal tissuesRegulation of spermatogenesis

Disease associations

CancerCongenital heart diseaseOsteoarthritis

Safety considerations

Potential developmental toxicityRisks of immunosuppressionOff-target effects in retinoid metabolism

Interacting drugs

Specific drugs are not listed in current results; retinoic acid and its analogs may functionally interact, but confirmed data is lacking. See also population genetic studies and role in retinoic acid metabolism for indirect associations.

Biomarkers

ALDH1A2 expression levelsSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALDH1A2 gene

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