6-mercaptopurine pathway

The term "6‑mercaptopurine pathway" does not refer to a single molecule, receptor, or canonical therapeutic target. Instead, it describes the network of metabolic reactions involved in the activation and breakdown of the drug 6‑mercaptopurine and related thiopurines. This includes multiple enzymes such as hypoxanthine‑guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), thiopurine S‑methyltransferase (TPMT), inosinate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), xanthine oxidase (XDH), and others that collectively determine the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity profile of these drugs[1][2][3][4][7]. Genetic variants in several genes encoding these enzymes—most notably TPMT but also NUDT15, ITPA, XDH—can significantly affect patient response to 6‑mercaptopurine by altering metabolite levels or increasing risk for adverse effects such as myelosuppression or hepatotoxicity[3][7]. Monitoring metabolites like 6-methylmercaptopurine (a product of TPMT activity) is used clinically to optimize dosing and minimize toxicity risks[3]. Because "pathway" refers to a set of biochemical processes rather than an individual molecular entity or direct drug target classifiable as enzyme/receptor/transporter/etc., this entry is considered incorrect for structured target information purposes. The correct approach would be to specify one or more key enzymes within this pathway if detailed molecular targeting information is required.

Other names

6-mercaptopurine pathwaythiopurine metabolism pathwaymercaptopurine metabolic pathway

Not applicable to a pathway; see below for drug mechanisms.