Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that function as modulators of aldehyde dehydrogenase activity; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds. The present invention provides therapeutic methods involving administering a subject compound, or a subject pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a crystal structure of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) with a modulator of ALDH bound thereto. The present disclosure provides a computer readable medium comprising atomic coordinates for an ALDH polypeptide and a modulator bound to a site within the polypeptide. A method is also provided. In general terms, the method comprises computationally identifying a compound that binds to an ALDH polypeptide, using the atomic coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (AldDH2), as well as agents identified by the screening methods. The present invention further provides methods of reducing ischemic tissue damage or free-radical induced damage in an organ, the methods generally involving contacting the organ with an agent that increases AldDH2 levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods of treating solid tumors, the methods generally involving administering an agent that decreases AldDH2 levels and/or activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that function as modulators of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds. The present invention provides therapeutic methods involving administering a subject compound, or a subject pharmaceutical composition. The present invention further provides assays for identifying agonists of ALDH2.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (AldDH2), as well as agents identified by the screening methods. The present invention further provides methods of reducing ischemic tissue damage or free-radical induced damage in an organ, the methods generally involving contacting the organ with an agent that increases AldDH2 levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods of treating solid tumors, the methods generally involving administering an agent that decreases AldDH2 levels and/or activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (AldDH2), as well as agents identified by the screening methods. The present invention further provides methods of reducing ischemic tissue damage or free-radical induced damage in an organ, the methods generally involving contacting the organ with an agent that increases AldDH2 levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods of treating solid tumors, the methods generally involving administering an agent that decreases AldDH2 levels and/or activity.