Genetic polymorphisms in the formaldehyde dehydrogenase gene and their biological significance

► We studied three known polymorphisms (rs11568816, rs17028487, rs13832) of the FDH gene (gene of the GSH-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase). ► The polymorphic sequence was only found for rs13832. ► The genetic polymorphism did neither lead to a significant difference in the transcript level nor to altered protection of the cells towards formaldehyde-induced DNA damage. ► This study did not identify biologically relevant polymorphisms in transcribed regions of the FDH gene which may lead to inter-individual differences in the metabolic inactivation of formaldehyde.