Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (mitochondrial) (ALDH2)

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (mitochondrial) is a tetrameric enzyme located in the mitochondrial matrix, encoded by the ALDH2 gene on chromosome 12[1][5]. It catalyzes the oxidation of acetaldehyde (a toxic intermediate in alcohol metabolism) to acetic acid, with a low Km for acetaldehyde, making it essential in alcohol detoxification[1]. ALDH2 plays a protective role against toxic aldehydes, prevents DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, and participates in broader aldehyde metabolism[2]. Genetic variants, particularly common in East Asian populations, lead to ALDH2 enzyme deficiency, resulting in alcohol flush reaction and increasing risks of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases[1][6]. ALDH2 is also targeted by drugs such as disulfiram (for alcohol aversion) and ALDH2 activators (targeting aldehyde toxicity), and is being investigated as a prognostic and pharmacogenetic biomarker in cancer and cardiovascular disease[4][6].

Other names

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family memberALDH2ALDH-E2ALDHIALDMALDH2 family (mitochondrial)

Inhibition leads to acetaldehyde accumulation (disulfiram in alcohol aversion therapy) Activation enhances detoxification of toxic aldehydes