MTHFS Human
Description
MTHFS is fused to a 20 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolic network. This network is essential for the synthesis of purines, thymidine, and amino acids, which are vital for the growth and proliferation of cells . The human recombinant form of this enzyme is used in various research and therapeutic applications.
MTHFS catalyzes the ATP- and Mg²⁺-dependent conversion of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF) to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-MTHF) . This reaction is physiologically irreversible and is a key step in the interconversion of reduced folates involved in one-carbon metabolism . The enzyme’s activity is crucial for maintaining the flow of carbon through the one-carbon metabolic network, which supplies essential components for cellular growth .
The absence of the three-dimensional structure of human MTHFS has historically hampered the rational design and optimization of drug candidates targeting this enzyme . However, recent studies have reported the structures of native human MTHFS, a binary complex of MTHFS with ADP, MTHFS bound with the N5-iminium phosphate reaction intermediate, and an enzyme-product complex . These structural insights have provided a unique strategy for substrate recognition and regulation of enzyme activity .
Inhibition of MTHFS has been shown to arrest the growth of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells . This makes MTHFS a potential target for the development of anticancer therapeutics. The folate-dependent one-carbon metabolic network, in which MTHFS operates, is a prime target for anticancer drugs. For example, methotrexate, an antifolate used in cancer chemotherapy, inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, another key enzyme in this network .
The human recombinant form of MTHFS is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding MTHFS into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the enzyme in large quantities. The recombinant enzyme is then purified for use in research and therapeutic applications.
