Folate-dependent metabolic enzyme (null)

Folate-dependent metabolic enzymes are a group of cellular enzymes that require folate coenzymes to catalyze one-carbon transfer reactions essential for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids. These include key steps in the formation of purines and thymidylate for DNA/RNA synthesis, methylation processes via S‑adenosylmethionine production, and amino acid interconversions such as homocysteine remethylation to methionine. Deficiency or dysfunction in these pathways can lead to disorders such as megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects during development, elevated homocysteine levels associated with cardiovascular risk, and contribute to cancer pathogenesis through effects on nucleotide supply and epigenetic regulation. Therapeutically relevant targets within this class include dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibited by drugs like methotrexate used in cancer therapy; other notable members are MTHFR and methionine synthase. The term encompasses multiple distinct proteins rather than a single molecular entity.[2][4][5]

Other names

One-carbon metabolism enzymes1C metabolism enzymesfolate pathway enzymes

Inhibition of folate recycling and reduction by blocking dihydrofolate reductase activity, leading to impaired DNA synthesis and cell division.