Antiquitin is a member of subfamily 7 in the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family. These enzymes are thought to play a major role in the detoxification of aldehydes generated by alcohol metabolism and lipid peroxidation. This particular member has homology to a previously described protein from the green garden pea, the 26g pea turgor protein.The ALDH7A1 gene encodes a 510-amino acid protein.

Antiquitin functions as an aldehyde dehydrogenase in the pipecolic acid pathway of lysine catabolism. Mutations in this gene cause pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, which involves a combination of various seizure types and is responsive to immediate administration of pyridoxine hydrochloride.