Purine Synthesis Enzymes

Purine synthesis enzymes are a group of enzymes responsible for the de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides, which are essential building blocks for DNA, RNA, and various metabolic processes. The pathway occurs in the cytosol and involves a series of highly conserved steps that construct the purine ring directly onto ribose-5-phosphate, forming inosine monophosphate (IMP), which is then converted to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) or guanosine monophosphate (GMP). Defects in these pathways can lead to diseases like gout or immunodeficiencies. Several drugs target these pathways, such as azathioprine and mycophenolate, to treat cancer or autoimmune conditions.

Other names

De novo purine biosynthesis enzymesPurine metabolic enzymes

Inhibition of purine synthesis pathway