Retinol dehydrogenase 13 (RDH13)

Retinol dehydrogenase 13 (RDH13) is a mitochondrial NADP(^+)-preferring enzyme of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family, primarily acting as a retinaldehyde reductase. RDH13 is expressed widely in human tissues, localized to the outer side of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and is thought to protect mitochondria against oxidative stress caused by reactive retinoid metabolites. It shows highest catalytic efficiency for the reduction of all-trans-retinaldehyde using NADPH, but has very weak oxidase activity for retinol, and does not act on steroids. RDH13 is conserved across vertebrate species and may contribute to retinoic acid homeostasis, with potential disease relevance in retinal and developmental pathologies

Other names

RDH13SDR7C3Short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 7C member 3Retinol dehydrogenase 13 (all-trans and 9-cis)Retinol dehydrogenase 13 (all-trans/9-cis)EC 1.1.1.300

Not directly targeted by pharmaceutical agents; general mechanism involves catalysis of retinoid reactions (e.g., reduction of all-trans-retinaldehyde to all-trans-retinol in the presence of NADPH), protecting mitochondria from reactive aldehyde