B9 Protein Domain 1 Human Recombinant
B9 Protein Domain 2 Human Recombinant
B9 Protein, also known as folate or folic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for numerous bodily functions. It is classified under the B-complex vitamins, specifically as Vitamin B9. Folate occurs naturally in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods .
Key Biological Properties: Folate is crucial for DNA and RNA synthesis, protein metabolism, and the formation of healthy red blood cells . It plays a significant role in breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that can be harmful in high amounts .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Folate is widely distributed in various tissues, with high concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. It is also present in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains .
Primary Biological Functions: Folate is essential for cell division and growth, making it particularly important during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy and fetal development . It also supports the production of healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Folate is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, which are necessary for the proliferation of immune cells. It also plays a role in the maintenance of regulatory T cells, which are crucial for immune tolerance and pathogen recognition .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Folate functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and methionine, which are essential for DNA and protein synthesis . It is converted into its active form, tetrahydrofolate (THF), by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Folate binds to folate receptors on cell surfaces, facilitating its transport into cells. Inside the cell, it participates in one-carbon metabolism, which is crucial for methylation reactions and the synthesis of nucleotides .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of folate-related enzymes is regulated by various transcription factors that respond to cellular folate levels .
Post-Translational Modifications: Folate metabolism is regulated by post-translational modifications of enzymes involved in its conversion and utilization. These modifications can affect enzyme activity and stability .
Biomedical Research: Folate is used in research to study its role in cell division, DNA synthesis, and methylation processes. It is also investigated for its potential in cancer therapy due to its involvement in nucleotide synthesis .
Diagnostic Tools: Folate levels are measured in clinical settings to diagnose deficiencies and monitor the effectiveness of supplementation .
Therapeutic Strategies: Folate supplementation is used to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy, treat folate-deficiency anemia, and reduce homocysteine levels to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases .
Development: Folate is critical during embryonic development for the formation of the neural tube and other tissues .
Aging and Disease: Adequate folate levels are essential throughout life to maintain DNA integrity and prevent age-related diseases. Folate deficiency is associated with cognitive decline, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers .