DUT Human

The primary function of dUTPase is to regulate the intracellular levels of dUTP and dUMP. By converting dUTP to dUMP, dUTPase ensures that dUTP levels remain low, thereby preventing the misincorporation of uracil into DNA. Uracil incorporation can lead to mutations and DNA damage, which can be detrimental to the cell .

In humans, the dUTPase enzyme is encoded by the DUT gene. This gene is involved in several critical pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism and the biosynthesis of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotides from CTP . The enzyme is particularly important in rapidly dividing cells, where the demand for nucleotide precursors is high.

Human dUTPase is a homo-trimeric enzyme, meaning it consists of three identical subunits. Each subunit contains five conserved motifs that are essential for its enzymatic activity. The active sites of the enzyme are located at the interfaces between the subunits, where they interact with the substrate and catalyze the hydrolysis reaction .

Due to its critical role in DNA synthesis and repair, dUTPase has been studied as a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. Inhibiting dUTPase activity can lead to an imbalance in the dUTP/dTTP ratio, causing uracil misincorporation and subsequent cell death. This makes dUTPase inhibitors a promising avenue for cancer treatment .

Additionally, mutations or dysregulation of the DUT gene can lead to various diseases, including bone marrow failure and diabetes mellitus syndrome . Understanding the function and regulation of dUTPase is therefore essential for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

Recombinant dUTPase refers to the enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the DUT gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large quantities of the enzyme. Recombinant dUTPase is used in various research applications, including studies on nucleotide metabolism, DNA repair, and drug development.