The alcohol dehydrogenases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a comprehensive review

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) constitute a large family of enzymes responsible for the reversible oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes with the concomitant reduction of NAD(+) or NADP(+). These enzymes have been identified not only in yeasts, but also in several other eukaryotes and even prokaryotes. The ADHs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been studied intensively for over half a century. With the ever-evolving techniques available for scientific analysis and since the completion of the Yeast Genome Project, a vast amount of new information has been generated during the past 10 years. This review attempts to provide a brief summary of the wealth of knowledge gained from earlier studies as well as more recent work. Relevant aspects regarding the primary and secondary structure, kinetic characteristics, function and molecular regulation of the ADHs in S. cerevisiae are discussed in detail. A brief outlook also contemplates possible future research opportunities.