In: Biology
What role does DHFR play in cancer?
DHFR ( Dihydro folate reductase ) is an enzyme that reduces dihydro folic acid to tetra hydrofolic acid using NADPH as electron donar.
DHFR is required for de novo synthesis of purines and thymidylate which are important for cell prolifiration and cell growth.
Inhibition of DHFR can limit the growth and prolifiration of cells that are characterstic of cancer.
Methotrexate is a competative inhibitor of DHFR, which is one of the anti cancer drug that inhibits DHFR.