Dihydrofolic Acid Synthesis (DHF Synthesis)

Dihydrofolic acid synthesis is a critical metabolic pathway responsible for producing dihydrofolic acid (DHF), a key intermediate in folate metabolism. This pathway is essential for the biosynthesis of nucleotides, which are required for DNA and RNA production. DHF is subsequently reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). THF serves as a carrier of one-carbon units in various metabolic reactions, including purine and pyrimidine synthesis, crucial for cell division and growth. This pathway is a target for various drugs, including antibiotics like trimethoprim and chemotherapeutic agents such as methotrexate, which inhibit DHFR and disrupt nucleotide synthesis, thereby hindering cell proliferation.

Other names

Folate Synthesis PathwayDihydrofolate ProductionDHF Biosynthesis

Inhibition of Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR), leading to reduced Tetrahydrofolate (THF) production and impaired nucleotide synthesis.