Or ALDH, this breaks down various
aldehydes into the corresponding
carboxylic acids. Its most notable substrate is, of course
ethanal the breakdown product of
ethanol. It is the lack of this crucial protein that causes alcohol intolerance in 25% of the
Asian population. Buildup of the ethanal intermediate causes toxic effects similar to drinking far too much. This is (not coincidentally) the basis of
Anabutase action - the drug given to combat
alcoholism. It blocks ALDH, preventing users from drinking more than a tiny amount.
The ALDH family is large and covers a large range of substrates, but another notable one is retinal (a vitamin A derivative) which is made into retinoic acid. This is a morphogen that can alter the developmental state of mammalian tissue. RALDH's may, therefore, be involved in the patterning and growth of the embryo.