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Human aldo-keto reductases: structure, substrate specificity and roles in tumorigenesis

Jun Ma, Deliang Cao

    Biomolecular Concepts
    |May 12, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, comprising over 150 proteins, plays roles in detoxification and metabolism. Recent research highlights human AKR involvement in cancer development, progression, and treatment strategies.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology
    • Oncology

    Background:

    • The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily includes over 150 proteins with conserved structures and enzymatic functions.
    • Thirteen human AKR proteins are known, involved in crucial cellular processes like xenobiotic detoxification, biosynthesis, and metabolism.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review recent advancements in the study of human AKR proteins.
    • To explore the multifaceted roles of AKRs, particularly their involvement in cancer.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
    • Synthesis of current knowledge on human AKR functions and implications.

    Main Results:

    • Human AKRs are implicated in various biological pathways beyond simple carbonyl reduction.
    • Evidence increasingly links specific human AKR proteins to cancer development, progression, and therapeutic responses.

    Conclusions:

    • Human AKRs represent a significant area of research with implications for understanding and treating cancer.
    • Further investigation into AKR functions may reveal novel therapeutic targets.

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