Deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase)

Deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) is an enzyme crucial for maintaining genomic integrity by hydrolyzing dUTP into dUMP and pyrophosphate. This prevents the incorporation of uracil into DNA during replication and repair, and provides dUMP for thymidine nucleotide synthesis. dUTPase exists as a homotrimer and has both nuclear and mitochondrial isoforms, each serving distinct roles in genome stability. Due to its essential role in nucleotide metabolism, dUTPase is considered a potential drug target, particularly in cancer therapy, where inhibition may disrupt nucleotide balance and sensitize cells to treatment.

Other names

DUT

Inhibition of dUTPase activity to disrupt nucleotide balance and promote uracil misincorporation into DNA, potentially leading to cytotoxicity or enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents.