alcohol dehydrogenase 5: Proteins and Enzymes

The ADH5 gene encodes glutathione dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase or class III alcohol dehydrogenase chi subunit, which is a member of the alcohol dehydrogenase family. Members of this family metabolize a wide variety of substrates, retinol, ethanol and other aliphatic alcohols, hydroxysteroids, and lipid peroxidation products. Class III alcohol dehydrogenase is a homodimer composed of 2 chi subunits. It has virtually no activity for ethanol oxidation, but exhibits high activity for oxidation of long chain primary alcohols and for oxidation of S hydroxymethyl glutathione, a spontaneous adduct between formaldehyde and glutathione. The enzyme is an important component of cellular metabolism for the elimination of formaldehyde, which is a potent irritant and sensitizing agent that causes rhinitis, lacrymation, contact dermatitis and pharyngitis.