Aldh2 Protein — Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
| Protein Information | |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 |
| Gene | ALDH2 |
| UniProt ID | P00358 |
| Molecular Weight | ~56 kDa (tetramer) |
| Subcellular Localization | Mitochondria |
| Protein Family | Aldehyde dehydrogenase family |
ALDH2 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. It is particularly important for metabolizing toxic aldehydes generated during lipid peroxidation, including 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA). ALDH2 is highly expressed in neurons and plays a critical protective role against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases.
ALDH2 is widely expressed in the brain:
Brain regions:
ALDH2 is a homotetramer (224 kDa total) with each subunit containing:
The enzyme requires NAD⁺ as cofactor.
ALDH2 functions include:
| Disease | Role | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease | 4-HNE detoxification | ALDH2 decreased in AD; 4-HNE accumulates |
| Parkinson's Disease | Dopaminergic protection | ALDH2 protects against 6-OHDA |
| HD | Aldehyde clearance | ALDH2 activity reduced in HD |
| Stroke | Ischemic protection | ALDH2 activators reduce damage |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Myocardial protection | ALDH2 polymorphism risk factor |
ALDH2 research focuses on aldehyde detoxification and therapeutic modulators for neurodegeneration.
Future studies will focus on developing ALDH2-targeted therapies for aldehyde-related disorders. Gene therapy approaches are being explored to restore ALDH2 function.## References
[1] ALDH2 and neurodegeneration. J Mol Neurosci. 2013;51(3):1033-1043. PMID:23771728
[2] 4-HNE metabolism in brain. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011;50(7):749-761. PMID:21241785
[3] ALDH2 in Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci. 2012;32(16):5503-5515. PMID:22514319
[4] Aldehyde dehydrogenase activators. Nat Med. 2010;16(3):290-295. PMID:20139987
[5] ALD2 and alcoholic neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis. 2014;71:24-33. PMID:25107605
The study of Aldh2 Protein — Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
[1] ALDH2 and neurodegeneration. J Mol Neurosci. 2013;51(3):1033-1043. PMID:23771728
[2] 4-HNE metabolism in brain. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011;50(7):749-761. PMID:21241785
[3] ALDH2 in Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci. 2012;32(16):5503-5515. PMID:22514319
[4] Aldehyde dehydrogenase activators. Nat Med. 2010;16(3):290-295. PMID:20139987
[5] ALD2 and alcoholic neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis. 2014;71:24-33. PMID:25107605