Dihydrofolic acid (conjugate base dihydrofolate) (DHF) is a folic acid (vitamin B9) derivative which is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid by dihydrofolate reductase. Since tetrahydrofolate is needed to make both purines and pyrimidines, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA, dihydrofolate reductase is targeted by various drugs to prevent nucleic acid synthesis.
Interactive pathway map
Click on genes, proteins and metabolites below to link to respective articles.
Further reading
- Gangjee, Aleem; Jain, Hiteshkumar D.; Kurup, Sonali (2007). "Recent Advances in Classical and Non-Classical Antifolates as Antitumor and Antiopportunistic Infection Agents: Part I". Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. 7 (5): 524–542. doi:10.2174/187152007781668724. PMID 17896913.
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