Gene ALDH1B1
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Also known as
ALDH5, ALDHXOverview
ALDH1B1 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member B1) encodes a mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme involved in the oxidation of aldehydes, including acetaldehyde produced during alcohol metabolism. It is part of the aldehyde dehydrogenase family that plays a critical role in detoxifying reactive aldehydes.ALDH1B1 contributes to alcohol metabolism alongside ALDH2, converting toxic acetaldehyde to acetate. Genetic variants in ALDH1B1 may influence individual differences in alcohol metabolism efficiency and susceptibility to alcohol-related health effects. The enzyme also metabolizes other aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation and neurotransmitter metabolism.
In addition to its role in alcohol metabolism, ALDH1B1 has been studied in the context of cancer biology, where altered expression has been observed in various tumor types. Understanding your ALDH1B1 genetic status may provide insights into your alcohol metabolism capacity and detoxification pathways.