Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH)

Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial transmembrane enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of choline to betaine aldehyde, a critical step in cellular methylation and choline metabolism[1][2][3][4]. The resulting betaine serves as a methyl donor for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, influencing methylation reactions crucial for DNA, RNA, and protein modification[1]. CHDH is expressed predominantly in kidneys, but also in the liver, heart, spleen, and blood, and functions on both the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes[1]. It has a pivotal role not only in intermediary metabolism but also in regulation of mitochondrial quality control: upon mitochondrial depolarization, CHDH recruits autophagy adapters (SQSTM1/p62, LC3) and facilitates PARK2-mediated mitophagy[2]. Genetic variation in CHDH is associated with risk of metabolic disorders, cancer prognosis, male infertility, and other diseases where mitochondrial health and choline metabolism are critical[1][2]. As a result, CHDH is considered a promising target for disease biomarker development and potentially therapeutic intervention, though no direct pharmacological modulators are yet in clinical use[1][2][4].

Other names

Choline dehydrogenase, mitochondrialCHDHCDHCHDCholine oxidaseCholine-cytochrome c reductaseCholine:acceptor 1-oxidoreductaseCholine:(acceptor) oxidoreductase

Enzymatic oxidation of choline to betaine aldehyde and subsequent production of betaine (methyl donor for methionine synthesis); Recruitment of autophagy adapter proteins (SQSTM1/p62, LC3) to damaged mitochondria, stimulating mitophagy; Modulation of choline and methyl donor levels, impacting cell function and epigenetics.