Folate Metabolism Pathway

The folate metabolism pathway encompasses a series of biochemical reactions involving the absorption, transport, activation, and utilization of folate (vitamin B9) and its derivatives. This pathway is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, methylation reactions (including epigenetic regulation), and cell division. Folate cannot be synthesized by mammalian cells and must be obtained from the diet. Defects or deficiencies in this pathway can lead to megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Certain cancers overexpress components of this pathway, making it an important target for chemotherapeutics such as antifolates.

Other names

Vitamin B9 MetabolismTetrahydrofolate MetabolismOne-Carbon Metabolism

Inhibition of folate metabolism enzymes, such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or thymidylate synthase.