DCXR (dicarbonyl and L-xylulose reductase) is a multifunctional enzyme belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily that catalyzes NADPH-dependent reduction of pentoses, tetroses, trioses, and α-dicarbonyl compounds 1. The enzyme participates in carbohydrate metabolism, particularly the uronate cycle, and performs detoxification functions by reducing reactive carbonyl compounds 2. DCXR deficiency causes essential pentosuria, a benign metabolic disorder 1. Beyond its catalytic role, DCXR exhibits non-enzymatic functions in cell adhesion, being colocalized with E-cadherin and β-catenin at intercellular membranes 3. The enzyme also mediates redox cycling of quinones, generating reactive oxygen species that may contribute to lung injury 4. DCXR expression patterns are altered in various cancers, with decreased membranous expression associated with malignant progression in melanoma 3 and increased expression promoting glycolysis and proliferation in breast cancer 5. In reproductive biology, DCXR serves as a sperm maturation marker essential for fertilization 1. Recent studies suggest DCXR may function as a diagnostic biomarker for metabolic diseases including diabetes 6 and shows altered expression in diabetic nephropathy, where it correlates with immune microenvironment changes 6.