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Global Aldh1b1 KO (Aldh1b1−/−) strain

ALDH1B1 is the second most efficient enzyme at oxidizing ACA after ALDH2 (1). ALDH1B1 polymorphisms have been associated with ethanol hypersensitivity, hypertension and ethanol aversion in humans (2). We have generated Aldh1b1 KO mice; they show overtly good health but have a reduced capacity to metabolize ACA (3). These mice also exhibit higher fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting a potential role for ALDH1B1 in maintaining glucose homeostasis and also in the pancreatic progenitor cells (4). These mice may be a valuable tool to investigate the mechanism by which alcohol promotes the development of diabetes.

References

  1. Stagos D, Chen Y, Brocker C, Donald E, Jackson BC, Orlicky DJ, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. (2010). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1: molecular cloning and characterization of a novel mitochondrial acetaldehyde-metabolizing enzyme. Drug Metab Dispos 38: 1679-87.
  2. Jackson BC, Reigan P, Miller B, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. (2015). Human ALDH1B1 polymorphisms may affect the metabolism of acetaldehyde and all-trans retinaldehyde--in vitro studies and computational modeling. Pharm Res 32: 1648-62.
  3. Singh S, Chen Y, Matsumoto A, Orlicky DJ, Dong H, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. (2015). ALDH1B1 links alcohol consumption and diabetes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 463: 768-73.
  4. Ioannou M, Serafimidis I, Arnes L, Sussel L, Singh S, Vasiliou V, Gavalas A. (2013). ALDH1B1 is a potential stem/progenitor marker for multiple pancreas progenitor pools. Dev Biol 374: 153-63.