Glycerol dehydrogenase involved in glycerol catabolism under microaerobic conditions. Has mRNA binding activity. glycerol + NADP(+) = dihydroxyacetone + H(+) + NADPH Optimum pH is 6.5. Expression is under the control of GAL4 and REB1, and is both positively controlled by galactose and negatively by glucose. Also induced by salt stress and in response to DNA replication stress. Belongs to the aldo/keto reductase family.