[10] Unique among the ALDH1 isozymes, ALDH1A1 is known to possess esterase activity in biochemical studies,[11] although it is unclear whether this is functionally relevant living tissues.

The only validated phenotype of these mice is a resistance to high fat diet-induced obesity[14] while whole body ALDH1A1 removal does not affect fertility or neurological function.

[17] Subsequent efforts to produce ALDH1A1-specific inhibitors have resulted in preclinical compounds that induce weight loss through increased metabolic activity.

[18] ALDH1A1 is often attributed with multiple biological roles as studies prior to human genome sequencing operated under the assumption that only one ALDH1 gene existed rather than the five isozymes that are annotated today.

Found uniquely in rabbits compared to other mammals, ALDH1A1 appears to function as a corneal crystallin that helps to maintain the transparency of the cornea.