ALDH1A2

ALDH1A2 is a gene that encodes for the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2, which is involved in the oxidation of retinaldehyde to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a derivative of vitamin A and is important for various cellular processes, including cell growth and differentiation.

The ALDH1A2 gene is located on chromosome 9p22-p21 and is composed of 12 exons. Alternative splicing of the gene results in several isoforms, including ALDH1A2 isoform a and isoform b, which have different substrate specificities and enzymatic activities.

ALDH1A2 is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of retinoic acid, which is essential for embryonic development and stem cell maintenance. Mutations in the ALDH1A2 gene have been associated with various developmental abnormalities and disorders, including limb malformations and neural tube defects.

Research has also implicated ALDH1A2 in the development and progression of certain cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Abnormal expression of ALDH1A2 has been observed in these cancer cells, suggesting a potential role for the enzyme in tumor growth and survival.

In addition to its role in retinoic acid production and cancer development, ALDH1A2 has also been identified as a biomarker for stem cell populations and has been used in the study of tissue regeneration and repair. Further research is needed to fully understand the functions and regulation of ALDH1A2 in health and disease.