Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C8, Pseudogene (AKR1C8P) Antibody

Background

AKR1C8 is a member of the AKR1C subfamily that shares significant sequence and functional similarity with other AKR1C isoforms. It plays a key role in steroid hormone metabolism, particularly in reducing ketosteroids such as androgens and progesterone into their less active 3α-hydroxy derivatives. AKR1C8 is also involved in detoxifying reactive aldehydes, including products of lipid peroxidation such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), protecting cells from oxidative damage. While its specific tissue distribution is not yet fully characterized, AKR1C8 likely contributes to maintaining steroid homeostasis and cellular redox balance. Dysregulation of AKR1C8 is suspected to play a role in hormone-dependent cancers, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory conditions, where excessive reactive carbonyls and steroid imbalances contribute to disease pathology. Ongoing research focuses on understanding AKR1C8’s unique activity compared to closely related AKR1C enzymes and its potential as a therapeutic target.