Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a pivotal role in numerous biochemical processes in the cell, most notably in the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The folate pathway starts with the reduction of dihydrofolate (DHF) to tetrahydrofolate (THF) by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Once formed, THF acts as a coenzyme in various reactions, facilitating the transfer of one-carbon units in cellular biochemical reactions. These one-carbon transfer reactions are integral to the synthesis of purines and thymidylates, which are essential components of DNA. Hence, any disruption in the folate pathway can have significant implications for DNA synthesis and repair.
Folic acid inhibitors are a class of chemical compounds that interfere with the folate pathway, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of nucleotides. By inhibiting various enzymes in this pathway, these compounds can halt the formation of THF and, subsequently, the synthesis of purines and thymidylates. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors can vary. Some target the DHFR enzyme, directly preventing the conversion of DHF to THF. Others may target enzymes downstream in the pathway, like thymidylate synthase, which is involved in the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP). Regardless of their specific target within the pathway, the overarching consequence of these inhibitors is a disruption in the synthesis of DNA building blocks. Given the pivotal role of the folate pathway in cellular biochemistry, understanding the mechanisms and impacts of these inhibitors can provide profound insights into cell biology and the intricate balance of biochemical reactions that sustain life.
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| Product Name | CAS # | Catalog # | QUANTITY | Price | Citations | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Methotrexate | 59-05-2 | sc-3507 sc-3507A | 100 mg 500 mg | $94.00 $213.00 | 33 | |
Methotrexate competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), preventing the conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate. This deprives cells of required one-carbon units for synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymidylate, inhibiting DNA replication and cell division. | ||||||
Trimethoprim | 738-70-5 | sc-203302 sc-203302A sc-203302B sc-203302C sc-203302D | 5 g 25 g 250 g 1 kg 5 kg | $67.00 $161.00 $255.00 $721.00 $3401.00 | 4 | |
Trimethoprim is a selective inhibitor of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase. By doing so, it blocks the production of tetrahydrofolate, an essential factor for synthesis of thymidine and, thus, DNA synthesis. | ||||||
Pyrimethamine | 58-14-0 | sc-208190 sc-208190A sc-208190B | 1 g 5 g 25 g | $80.00 $238.00 $825.00 | 5 | |
Pyrimethamine selectively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase of parasites, especially Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, leading to a deficiency in tetrahydrofolate and inhibition of DNA synthesis. | ||||||
Raltitrexed | 112887-68-0 | sc-219933 | 10 mg | $146.00 | ||
Raltitrexed inhibits thymidylate synthase, leading to the depletion of the nucleotide thymidine triphosphate. This, in turn, leads to the inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell division. | ||||||
N-[4-[2-(2-Amino-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-L-glutamic Acid | 137281-23-3 | sc-479733 | 250 mg | $330.00 | 1 | |
Pemetrexed inhibits multiple enzymes involved in folate pathways, including thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, leading to impaired DNA and RNA synthesis. | ||||||
Folotyn | 146464-95-1 | sc-364491 sc-364491A | 10 mg 50 mg | $480.00 $1455.00 | ||
Folotyn is an antifolate that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to decreased synthesis of thymidine and purine nucleotides, and consequent inhibition of DNA synthesis. | ||||||
Aminopterin | 54-62-6 | sc-202461 | 50 mg | $102.00 | 1 | |
Aminopterin is a derivative of folic acid that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. This blocks the conversion of dihydrofolate to its active form, leading to a halt in DNA synthesis. | ||||||
Triciribine | 35943-35-2 | sc-200661 sc-200661A | 1 mg 5 mg | $104.00 $141.00 | 14 | |
Triciribine is an inhibitor of the DNA synthesis enzyme ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase. By inhibiting this enzyme, triciribine prevents the conversion of ribonucleosides to deoxyribonucleosides, halting DNA synthesis. | ||||||
Phytic acid solution | 83-86-3 | sc-205806 sc-205806A | 100 ml 500 ml | $151.00 $515.00 | ||
Phytic acid can inhibit folate metabolism by affecting the MTHFR enzyme, potentially leading to altered DNA methylation and synthesis. | ||||||