AKR7A2 participates in the detoxification of aldehydes and ketones. AKR7A2 catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. AKR7A2 is involved in producing the neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). AKR7A2 has extensive substrate specificity. AKR7A2 shows NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase activity towards 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and pyridine-2-aldehyde (in vitro). AKR7A2 reduces 1,2-naphthoquinone and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (in vitro). AKR7A2 reduces the dialdehyde protein-binding form of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to the non-binding AFB1 dialcohol. AKR7A2 takes part in protection of liver against the toxic and carcinogenic effects of AFB1, a potent hepatocarcinogen Synonyms: Aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase member 2, AFAR, AFAR1, AFB1-AR1, AKR7, Succinic semialdehyde reductase, SSA reductase, AFB1 aldehyde reductase 1, Aldoketoreductase 7, AKR7A2