AKR1B10

The protein encoded by AKR1B10 is aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10, commonly known as small intestine aldose reductase or AR-like protein 1. It catalyzes the reduction of aldehydes and ketones using NADPH as a cofactor, playing roles in xenobiotic metabolism and lipid synthesis. AKR1B10 is involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and regulates retinoic acid metabolism.
Overexpression of AKR1B10 is linked to various cancers, including lung, liver, and breast cancer, promoting cell proliferation and chemoresistance. It serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Current drug development focuses on small-molecule inhibitors, such as epalrestat derivatives, which show promise in preclinical studies by inhibiting AKR1B10 enzymatic activity and suppressing tumor growth.