Aldo-Keto Reductases: Their Function, Structure and Role in Human Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to articles focused on aldo-keto reductases (AKRs), investigating their functions, structures, and roles in various human diseases. AKRs, a subset of the NADPH-linked oxidoreductases superfamily, encompass enzymes like aldose reductase, aldehyde reductases, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, aflatoxin reductases, and other proteins that reduce a diverse variety of carbonyl compounds. The superfamily comprises 16 families including approximately 200 proteins.

Over the past few decades, research has unveiled the significant involvement of aldo-keto reductases in detoxification and xenobiotic metabolism, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, their impact on human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and various inflammatory and neurological complications, has been substantiated. The quest for therapeutic solutions has led to the development of aldo-keto reductase inhibitors from both natural and synthetic sources. These inhibitors have undergone evaluation in numerous preclinical and clinical studies, revealing their potential for treating various human diseases, notably inflammatory complications and cancer. Nevertheless, additional preclinical and clinical studies are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which AKRs mediate these diseases.

We extend an invitation for contributions to this Special Issue encompassing novel structural and computational studies, functional analyses, preclinical and clinical research, and comprehensive reviews on aldo-keto reductases. The focus lies not only on unraveling the intricacies of AKRs but also on developing potent inhibitors of AKRs characterized by high specificity and minimal adverse effects, which are essential for efficient therapeutic implementation.

Dr. Kota V. Ramana
Guest Editor

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