Tetrahydrofolate is a derivative of folate .
| Tetrahydrofolate | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Are common | |
| Systematic name | (2 S ) -2 - {[4 - ({[(6 R ) -2-amino-4-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroteridin-6-yl] methyl} amino) phenyl ] formamido} pentanedioic acid |
| Chem. formula | C 19 H 23 N 7 O 6 |
| Physical properties | |
| Molar mass | 445.43 g / mol |
| Classification | |
| Reg. CAS number | 135-16-0 |
| PubChem | |
| Smiles | |
| Inchi | |
| Chebi | 20506 |
| ChemSpider | |
Human biosynthesis
In humans, tetrahydrofolate is formed from dihydrofolate by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase . This reaction is inhibited by methotrexate .
Tetrahydrofolate is converted to 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate by the serine hydroxymethyltransferase enzyme.
Biosynthesis by bacteria
An intermediate compound, 7,8-dihydroperteroate, is synthesized in bacteria due to the activity of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase (EC 2.5.1.15). This enzyme is absent in animals and humans. Therefore, sulfanilamide preparations are widely used to combat bacteria, which competitively inhibit the enzyme, preventing the normal substrate, para- aminobenzoate , from binding to its active center.
Dihydrofolate
5,10-Methylene tetrahydrofolate
Biological role
Tetrahydrofolate is a coenzyme that is involved in many reactions, especially in the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids . It is a donor of a one-carbon group. Gets a carbon atom by forming a complex with formaldehyde , which is formed in other reactions.
Lack of tetrahydrofolate causes anemia .
The concentration of tetrahydrofolate decreases under the action of the drug ( cytostatic ) methotrexate , which is used to stop the synthesis of nucleotides .