background:
The aldo-keto reductase 7 (AKR7) family includes AKR7A2, AKR7A3 and AKR7A4 in human, AKR7A5 in mouse and AKR7A2 in rat, all of which function in the metabolism of aflatoxin B(1) and other dicarbonyl-containing compounds. More specifically, AKR7A proteins are involved in the metabolism of compounds with ketone groups on adjacent carbon atoms in a broad range of tissues, notably the liver. The human AKR7A2 gene maps to human chromosome 1p35-36, a region frequently deleted in sporadic colorectal cancer. The functional significance of this correlation lies in the constitutive expression of AKR7A2 in human liver to eliminate aflatoxin (an environmental carcinogen), thus acting as an endogenous chemo-preventative agent.
Function:
Catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. May have an important role in producing the neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Has broad substrate specificity. Has NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase activity towards 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and pyridine-2-aldehyde (in vitro). Can reduce 1,2-naphthoquinone and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (in vitro). Can reduce the dialdehyde protein-binding form of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to the non-binding AFB1 dialcohol. May be involved in protection of liver against the toxic and carcinogenic effects of AFB1, a potent hepatocarcinogen.
Subunit:
Homodimer.
Subcellular Location:
Golgi apparatus. Cytoplasm.
Tissue Specificity:
Detected in brain, liver, small intestine and testis, and at lower levels in heart, prostate, skeletal muscle and spleen. Detected in kidney proximal and distal tubules, endothelial cells lining the Bowman's capsules and some cysts. Detected at low levels in lung and pancreas (at protein level). Widely expressed.
Similarity:
Belongs to the aldo/keto reductase 2 family.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 8574 Human
Entrez Gene: 110198 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 171445 Rat
Omim: 603418 Human
SwissProt: O43488 Human
SwissProt: Q8CG76 Mouse
SwissProt: Q8CG45 Rat
Unigene: 571886 Human
Unigene: 8548 Rat
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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