DHFR is a small enzyme, approximately 21 kDa in size . It is highly conserved across different species, including humans and mice. The enzyme’s primary function is to maintain the cellular levels of tetrahydrofolate, a cofactor required for one-carbon transfer reactions . These reactions are crucial for the synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids, making DHFR indispensable for cell growth and division .
Recombinant DHFR refers to the enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the DHFR gene into a suitable expression system, such as E. coli, to produce the enzyme in large quantities . Recombinant DHFR is often tagged with a histidine tag to facilitate purification and is used in various biochemical assays and research applications .
Recombinant DHFR is widely used in research to study its role in cellular metabolism and its potential as a target for chemotherapy drugs. Inhibitors of DHFR, such as methotrexate, are used to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases by blocking the enzyme’s activity, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell proliferation .
The study of DHFR, particularly its recombinant forms, is crucial in drug development. By understanding how DHFR functions and how it can be inhibited, researchers can develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects. The enzyme’s role in folate metabolism also makes it a target for antibiotics and antimalarial drugs .