aldehyde catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of aldehydes, any organic compound with the formula R-CH=O. [GOC:ai]

Aldehyde catabolic process is a fundamental metabolic pathway that involves the breakdown of aldehydes, a class of organic molecules characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a carbon chain. This process is essential for various biological functions, including detoxification, energy production, and biosynthesis.

Aldehydes are generated from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, as well as through metabolic reactions like oxidative stress. The catabolism of aldehydes typically involves the conversion of the carbonyl group into a hydroxyl group (-OH) by the action of specific enzymes called aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs).

ALDHs are a superfamily of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. This reaction requires NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) as a cofactor, which is reduced to NADH during the process. Different ALDH isoforms exhibit substrate specificity and are responsible for the metabolism of specific aldehydes, playing crucial roles in various cellular processes.

The catabolic process of aldehydes is tightly regulated and involves a series of steps:

1. **Aldehyde oxidation:** The primary step involves the oxidation of the aldehyde to a carboxylic acid. This is catalyzed by ALDHs, which are highly specific for certain aldehyde substrates.
2. **Carboxylic acid metabolism:** The resulting carboxylic acids can undergo further metabolism, depending on their structure and the specific cellular context. They may be utilized as energy sources, incorporated into biosynthesis pathways, or excreted from the body.
3. **Regulation of aldehyde levels:** The catabolic process of aldehydes is tightly regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis and prevent the accumulation of toxic aldehydes. This regulation involves factors such as enzyme expression, substrate availability, and the activity of other metabolic pathways.

The aldehyde catabolic process is crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of toxic byproducts. The breakdown of aldehydes through enzymatic oxidation is a critical step in detoxification, energy production, and biosynthesis. Dysregulation of this process can lead to various disorders, including neurological, cardiovascular, and developmental abnormalities.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (25)