Catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of glyoxylate to glycolate as well as succinic semialdehyde (SSA) to gamma-hydroxybutyrate in vitro. May function in redox homeostasis and play a role in oxidative stress tolerance by detoxifying glyoxylate and SSA generated in glycolate metabolism and GABA metabolism, respectively. glycolate + NADP(+) = glyoxylate + H(+) + NADPH 4-hydroxybutanoate + NADP(+) = H(+) + NADPH + succinate semialdehyde The ratio of NADPH/NADP(+) may regulate enzymatic activity. Optimum pH is 6.8-7.8. By cold and heat stresses. Down-regulated by ozone. Although GLYR2 acts as an aldo/keto reductase, it has no significant homology with either mammalian and bacterial NADPH-dependent SSA reductases. Belongs to the HIBADH-related family. NP60 subfamily.