The protein encoded by this gene acts as a homotetramer to catalyze diacetyl reductase and L-xylulose reductase reactions. The encoded protein may play a role in the uronate cycle of glucose metabolism and in the cellular osmoregulation in the proximal renal tubules. Defects in this gene are a cause of pentosuria. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010].
Function: Catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of several pentoses, tetroses, trioses, alpha-dicarbonyl compounds and L-xylulose. Participates in the uronate cycle of glucose metabolism. May play a role in the water absorption and cellular osmoregulation in the proximal renal tubules by producing xylitol, an osmolyte, thereby preventing osmolytic stress from occurring in the renal tubules.