DHFR Human
Description
The DHFR is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a crucial enzyme in the metabolic pathway of folate. It catalyzes the reduction of dihydrofolate (DHF) to tetrahydrofolate (THF), a reaction that is essential for the synthesis of purines, thymidylate, and certain amino acids . This enzyme plays a vital role in cell proliferation and growth, making it a significant target for anticancer drug development .
DHFR is a small enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 21 kilodaltons . It uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as an electron donor to reduce DHF to THF . The enzyme’s active site binds to both DHF and NADPH, facilitating the transfer of electrons and the reduction process .
In humans, the DHFR enzyme is encoded by the DHFR gene located on chromosome 5 . The enzyme’s structure has been extensively studied, revealing a highly conserved active site that is crucial for its function . The human recombinant form of DHFR is produced using Escherichia coli as a host, allowing for large-scale production and purification .
THF and its derivatives are essential cofactors in one-carbon transfer reactions, which are necessary for the synthesis of nucleotides and certain amino acids . These reactions are critical for DNA synthesis and repair, making DHFR an essential enzyme for cell division and growth .
The inhibition of DHFR leads to a depletion of THF, which in turn disrupts DNA synthesis and cell division . This mechanism is exploited in cancer therapy, where DHFR inhibitors such as methotrexate are used to target rapidly dividing cancer cells .
The recombinant form of DHFR is widely used in research and industrial applications. It is employed in studies of enzyme kinetics, drug screening, and structural biology . The availability of human recombinant DHFR allows for detailed studies of its function and interactions with inhibitors, aiding in the development of new therapeutic agents .
In clinical settings, DHFR inhibitors are used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases . Methotrexate, one of the most well-known DHFR inhibitors, is used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and rheumatoid arthritis . The study of human recombinant DHFR has provided valuable insights into the enzyme’s function and its role in disease, leading to the development of more effective treatments .
