Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is an important aldehyde-metabolizing enzyme that plays a key role in various biological processes, such as regulating cellular growth, modulating retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways, and contributing to stem cell function. It is recognized as a crucial biomarker n...

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Main Authors: Wenqi Zhao, Yu Xia, Zhiqi Gao, Jian Chen, Erlong Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Physiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1627164/full
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author Wenqi Zhao
Wenqi Zhao
Yu Xia
Yu Xia
Zhiqi Gao
Zhiqi Gao
Jian Chen
Jian Chen
Erlong Zhang
Erlong Zhang
author_facet Wenqi Zhao
Wenqi Zhao
Yu Xia
Yu Xia
Zhiqi Gao
Zhiqi Gao
Jian Chen
Jian Chen
Erlong Zhang
Erlong Zhang
author_sort Wenqi Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is an important aldehyde-metabolizing enzyme that plays a key role in various biological processes, such as regulating cellular growth, modulating retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways, and contributing to stem cell function. It is recognized as a crucial biomarker not only because of its significant involvement in the occurrence and development of various cancers but also because it is an important prognostic indicator for cancer progression. Furthermore, recent research has provided substantial evidence that the multiple roles of ALDH1 extend beyond cancer, with significant progress in understanding its mechanisms in other diseases and its clinical applications. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets for the future treatment of other diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biological functions of ALDH1, the molecular mechanisms of its transcription and regulation, and the progress in cancer research related to the ALDH1 family. We not only discuss the mechanisms of ALDH1 in cancer but also its research development and potential pathological mechanisms in other diseases. The role of ALDH1 in various diseases is complex, and its expression levels are highly important for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Future in-depth studies on ALDH1 functions are expected to provide new strategies and directions for the treatment of related diseases.
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spelling doaj-art-01af8f9564444b4ea7e41d98e827957f2025-08-20T03:28:50ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physiology1664-042X2025-07-011610.3389/fphys.2025.16271641627164Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and diseaseWenqi Zhao0Wenqi Zhao1Yu Xia2Yu Xia3Zhiqi Gao4Zhiqi Gao5Jian Chen6Jian Chen7Erlong Zhang8Erlong Zhang9Institute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaKey Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, ChinaInstitute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaKey Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, ChinaInstitute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaKey Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, ChinaInstitute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaKey Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, ChinaInstitute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, ChinaKey Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, ChinaAldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is an important aldehyde-metabolizing enzyme that plays a key role in various biological processes, such as regulating cellular growth, modulating retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways, and contributing to stem cell function. It is recognized as a crucial biomarker not only because of its significant involvement in the occurrence and development of various cancers but also because it is an important prognostic indicator for cancer progression. Furthermore, recent research has provided substantial evidence that the multiple roles of ALDH1 extend beyond cancer, with significant progress in understanding its mechanisms in other diseases and its clinical applications. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets for the future treatment of other diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biological functions of ALDH1, the molecular mechanisms of its transcription and regulation, and the progress in cancer research related to the ALDH1 family. We not only discuss the mechanisms of ALDH1 in cancer but also its research development and potential pathological mechanisms in other diseases. The role of ALDH1 in various diseases is complex, and its expression levels are highly important for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Future in-depth studies on ALDH1 functions are expected to provide new strategies and directions for the treatment of related diseases.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1627164/fullaldehyde dehydrogenaseALDH1cancermolecular regulationstem cells marker
spellingShingle Wenqi Zhao
Wenqi Zhao
Yu Xia
Yu Xia
Zhiqi Gao
Zhiqi Gao
Jian Chen
Jian Chen
Erlong Zhang
Erlong Zhang
Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
Frontiers in Physiology
aldehyde dehydrogenase
ALDH1
cancer
molecular regulation
stem cells marker
title Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
title_full Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
title_fullStr Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
title_full_unstemmed Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
title_short Multiple roles of ALDH1 in health and disease
title_sort multiple roles of aldh1 in health and disease
topic aldehyde dehydrogenase
ALDH1
cancer
molecular regulation
stem cells marker
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1627164/full
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