aldoketoreduktaser

Aldoketoreduktases are a superfamily of oxidoreductase enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the reduction of aldehydes and ketones to alcohols, and also the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. This reaction typically involves the cofactor NADPH or NADH, which acts as a hydride donor. Aldoketoreduktases are found in a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.

In humans, aldoketoreduktases play important roles in several metabolic pathways. For example, they are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, the metabolism of steroids, and the synthesis of prostaglandins. Some aldoketoreduktases also have roles in the development and maintenance of neuronal tissue. The superfamily of aldoketoreduktases is large, with many different enzymes exhibiting distinct substrate specificities and physiological functions.

The mechanism of action for aldoketoreduktases involves the binding of the substrate and the cofactor to the enzyme's active site. A catalytic triad, typically composed of a cysteine, histidine, and aspartate residue, is often involved in the reaction. The hydride from the NADPH or NADH is then transferred to the carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde or ketone, forming an alcohol. The reverse reaction, oxidation, also proceeds through a similar mechanism. Due to their diverse functions, aldoketoreduktases are of significant interest in areas such as drug development and the study of metabolic diseases.