MTHFD Recombinant Proteins

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (MTHFD) Recombinant Proteins are crucial in the study of one-carbon metabolism. MTHFD enzymes play a pivotal role in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolic pathways, which are essential for the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and other biomolecules.

Technical Details

Structure:

• MTHFD enzymes are multi-domain proteins, often existing as monofunctional or trifunctional enzymes with dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and synthetase activities.
• These domains facilitate the conversion of methylenetetrahydrofolate to different folate derivatives.

Production:

• MTHFD recombinant proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology in systems such as E. coli, yeast, or mammalian cells.
• Recombinant production ensures high purity, activity, and structural integrity of the proteins, suitable for biochemical and functional studies.

Applications:

• Metabolic Pathway Studies:
  • Used to study folate metabolism and its regulation.
  • Helps elucidate the biochemical pathways involved in nucleotide synthesis and amino acid metabolism.
• Disease Research:
  • MTHFD enzymes are linked to disorders like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neural tube defects.
  • Recombinant proteins enable the study of mutations and polymorphisms affecting enzyme function and their role in disease pathogenesis.
• Drug Development:
  • Target for antifolate drugs used in cancer therapy.
  • Screening and development of inhibitors that can modulate MTHFD activity.
• Nutritional Studies:
  • Understanding the role of folate metabolism in nutrition and the impact of dietary folate on health.
  • Studying the effects of folate deficiency and supplementation.

Analytical Methods:

• Enzyme Assays: To measure the activity of dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and synthetase domains.
• Crystallography: For structural determination and understanding enzyme mechanics.
• Mass Spectrometry: To analyze post-translational modifications and protein interactions.
• Western Blotting: For expression analysis in different tissues and conditions.