Catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of aldehyde substrates, such as all-trans-retinal and all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinal, to their corresponding carboxylic acids, all-trans-retinoate and all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoate, respectively (PubMed:29240402, PubMed:33565183). Retinoate signaling is critical for the transcriptional control of many genes, for instance it is crucial for initiation of meiosis in both male and female (Probable) (PubMed:33565183). Recognizes retinal as substrate, both in its free form and when bound to cellular retinol-binding protein (By similarity). Can metabolize octanal and decanal, but has only very low activity with benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde and propanal (By similarity). Displays complete lack of activity with citral (By similarity).
