Aldo-keto reductase family 7-like (AKR7L)

Aldo-keto reductase family 7-like (AKR7L) is a member of the aldo-keto reductase gene cluster located on chromosome 1. The encoded protein is proposed to catalyze the reduction of protein-binding aldehyde forms of aflatoxin B1 to non-binding dialcohols, potentially providing cellular protection against this toxin. However, there is no experimental evidence that a functional enzyme is produced in vivo in humans. The AKR7L locus may act as a segregating pseudogene, where some alleles encode a functional protein and others a non-functional product. Expression of AKR7L is detected in various tissues, with differential expression reported in cancer and cell line studies, but direct roles in disease and drug interactions are not established. AKR7L is a questionable human protein-coding gene, possibly a pseudogene, commonly included in gene/protein expression and disease association datasets. Its most likely biological function, if expressed, is as an oxidoreductase enzyme for detoxification of aflatoxin B1 aldehydes, but its activity in humans is unconfirmed. There is confusion and overlap among the various aliases due to nomenclature with other AKR family members, especially in aflatoxin metabolism research. No direct evidence for drugs, robust biomarkers, or safety concerns specifically related to AKR7L. Strong caveat: the target may not encode a functional protein in all individuals and should be treated with caution when considering it as a therapeutic target.

Other names

AFAR3AKR7A4AFB1-AR 3AFB1-AR3Aldoketoreductase 7-likeaflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase member 4AFB1 aldehyde reductase 3

Enzymatic reduction of aldehyde substrates such as aflatoxin B1 dialdehyde (if functional)