Abnormally expressed PDK1 can covalently bind to the inactive ALDH1A1 apoenzyme (apoALDH1A1), forming the catalytically active ALDH1A1 holoenzyme (holoALDH1A1), thus activating ALDH1, leading to desensitization of liver cancer to radiation therapy (116). This evidence concerns the gene ALDH1A1 and liver cancer.