AKR7A2
Description
The AKR7A2 (aldo-keto reductase family 7 member A2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
AKR7A2, also known as Aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase member 2, is an enzyme encoded by the AKR7A2 gene in humans. AKR7A2, along with other Aldo-keto reductases, plays a role in detoxifying aldehydes and ketones.
AKR7A2 catalyzes the reduction of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate using NADPH as a cofactor. This process may play a significant role in the production of the neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The enzyme exhibits broad substrate specificity, displaying NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase activity towards various compounds, including 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, and pyridine-2-aldehyde. Additionally, AKR7A2 can reduce 1,2-naphthoquinone and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. Notably, it can reduce the protein-binding form of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to the non-binding AFB1 dialcohol. This reduction process may contribute to protecting the liver from the toxic and carcinogenic effects of AFB1, a potent hepatocarcinogen.
AKR7A2 is also known as AFAR, AFAR1, AFB1-AR1, AKR7.
