Characterization of aldo-keto reductase 1C subfamily members encoded in two rat genes (akr1c19 and RGD1564865). Relationship to 9-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase

Rat genes, akr1c19 and RGD1564865, encode members (R1C19 and 20HSDL, respectively) of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C subfamily, whose functions, however, remain unknown. Here, we show that recombinant R1C19 and 20HSDL exhibit NAD+-dependent dehydrogenase activity for prostaglandins (PGs) with 9α-hydroxy group (PGF2α, its 13,14-dihydro- and 15-keto derivatives, 9α,11β-PGF2 and PGD2). 20HSDL oxidized the PGs with much lower Km (0.3–14 μM) and higher kcat/Km values (0.064–2.6 min−1μM−1) than those of R1C19. They also differed in other properties: R1C19, but not 20HSDL, oxidized some 17β-hydroxysteroids (5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol and 5β-androstan-17β-ol-3-one). 20HSDL was specifically inhibited by zomepirac, but not by R1C19-selective inhibitors (hexestrol, flavonoids, ibuprofen and flufenamic acid), although the two enzymes were sensitive to indomethacin and cis-unsaturated fatty acids. The mRNA for 20HSDL was expressed abundantly in rat kidney and at low levels in the liver, testis, brain, heart and colon, in contrast to ubiquitous expression of R1C19 mRNA. The comparison of enzymic features of R1C19 and 20HSDL with rat PG dehydrogenases and other AKRs suggests not only a close relationship of 20HSDL with 9-hydroxy-PG dehydrogenase in rat kidney, but also roles of R1C19 and rat AKRs (1C16 and 1C24) in the metabolism of PGF2α, PGD2 and 9α,11β-PGF2 in other tissues. [Display omitted] •Rat R1C19 and 20HSDL encoded in akr1c19 and RGD1564865 genes are characterized.•They are found to be NAD + -preferring dehydrogenases for 9-hydroxyprostaglandins. .•20HSDL is a more efficient enzyme and its mRNA is biasedly expressed in rat kidney.•R1C19 shows lower catalytic efficiency, but its mRNA is ubiquitously expressed.