ALDH2
ALDH2 encodes mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, the enzyme that oxidizes acetaldehyde — the toxic intermediate produced when alcohol dehydrogenase breaks down ethanol — into harmless acetate. The common East Asian variant rs671 produces a nearly inactive enzyme, so carriers accumulate acetaldehyde after drinking and experience the facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, and nausea known as alcohol flush reaction.
Traits ALDH2 shapes
Markers (rsIDs)
Reference databases
How Biome reads this
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