Folic acid-dependent pathways

Folic acid-dependent pathways" comprise a network of biochemical processes critical for transferring one-carbon units required for the synthesis of nucleotides, certain amino acids, and methylation reactions. These pathways rely on multiple enzymes (e.g., dihydrofolate reductase, methionine synthase), receptors (folate receptor alpha, beta, gamma), and transporters to metabolize and utilize folic acid and its derivatives. Disruption or inhibition of these pathways can result in cell cycle arrest, anemia, developmental defects, and increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. While specific proteins within these pathways are considered drug targets, the label "folic acid-dependent pathways" refers to a process rather than a single molecular entity; therefore, it is not a canonical name for a therapeutic drug target.

Other names

folate metabolismfolate cycleone-carbon metabolism

Enzyme inhibition (antifolates inhibit dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, others, blocking nucleotide synthesis); Competitive inhibition of folate transporters or receptors; Interference with one-carbon transfer and methylation.