Enables aldose reductase (NADPH) activity and
cis-1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dehydrogenase activity. Involved in several processes, including cellular response to peptide; inner medullary collecting duct development; and sorbitol biosynthetic process. Located in several cellular components, including Schmidt-Lanterman incisure; Schwann cell microvillus; and mast cell granule. Used to study allergic disease; cataract; diabetic neuropathy; and diabetic retinopathy. Biomarker of diabetic retinopathy; galactosemia; hepatocellular carcinoma; hyperglycemia; and hypokalemia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in arteriosclerosis; cataract; diabetic neuropathy; diabetic retinopathy; and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human AKR1B1 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B); PARTICIPATES IN polyol pathway; altered galactose metabolic pathway; D-glycericacidemia pathway; INTERACTS WITH (R,R,R)-alpha-tocopherol; 1-naphthyl isothiocyanate; 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxine.