DHFR Antibody

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a crucial enzyme involved in the metabolic processes of cells. It plays a significant role in the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. The enzyme is found in all organisms, from bacteria to humans, and is essential for cell growth and proliferation .

DHFR catalyzes the reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate using NADPH as an electron donor . Tetrahydrofolate is a key cofactor in the synthesis of purines, thymidylic acid, and certain amino acids. This reaction is vital for the de novo synthesis of nucleotides, which are necessary for DNA replication and repair .

In humans, the DHFR gene is located on chromosome 5 at the q14.1 region . The gene has multiple intronless processed pseudogenes or DHFR-like genes identified on separate chromosomes . Mutations or deficiencies in DHFR can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the presence of large, abnormal red blood cells .

There are two structural classes of DHFR:

1. Type I DHFR: Found in bacterial chromosomes and animals. In bacteria, antibiotic pressure has caused this class to evolve different patterns of binding diaminoheterocyclic molecules, leading to many “types” named under this class .
2. Type II DHFR: Represented by the plastid-encoded R67, is a tiny enzyme that works by forming a homotetramer .

Mouse anti-human DHFR antibodies are monoclonal antibodies produced by immunizing mice with human DHFR protein. These antibodies are used in various research applications, including:

• Western Blotting: To detect DHFR protein levels in different samples.
• Immunohistochemistry: To study the localization of DHFR in tissues.
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): To quantify DHFR protein levels in various samples.

DHFR is a target for several chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate, which inhibit the enzyme to prevent the proliferation of rapidly dividing cancer cells . The study of DHFR and its inhibitors is crucial for developing new cancer treatments and understanding resistance mechanisms.