IMP dehydrogenase
IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the purine metabolism pathway, specifically in the synthesis of guanine nucleotides. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of inosine monophosphate (IMP) to xanthosine monophosphate (XMP), a key step in the production of guanosine triphosphate (GTP).
Function[edit | edit source]
IMPDH is a tetrameric enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation and dehydrogenation of IMP to XMP, with the concurrent reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH). This reaction is a rate-limiting step in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Due to its role in the synthesis of guanine nucleotides, IMPDH is a target for several antiviral, immunosuppressive, and anticancer drugs. Inhibition of IMPDH can lead to a decrease in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which can inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells or cells infected with a virus.
Genetics[edit | edit source]
In humans, two genes, IMPDH1 and IMPDH2, encode for IMPDH. Mutations in these genes can lead to diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber's congenital amaurosis.
See also[edit | edit source]
- Purine metabolism
- Guanine nucleotide
- Inosine monophosphate
- Xanthosine monophosphate
- Guanosine triphosphate
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD