IMP dehydrogenase

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IMP dehydrogenase

IMP dehydrogenase (pronounced as I-M-P de-hydro-gen-ase) is an important enzyme in the purine biosynthesis pathway. It is responsible for the conversion of inosine monophosphate (IMP) to xanthosine monophosphate (XMP), a critical step in the synthesis of guanine nucleotides.

Etymology

The term "IMP dehydrogenase" is derived from its function. "IMP" stands for Inosine monophosphate, the substrate for this enzyme, and "dehydrogenase" refers to its role in removing hydrogen during the conversion process.

Function

IMP dehydrogenase catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of IMP to XMP. This is a rate-limiting step in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides, which are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis, as well as for the formation of GTP, a key molecule in cellular energy transfer.

Related Terms

  • Inosine monophosphate: The substrate for IMP dehydrogenase.
  • Xanthosine monophosphate: The product of the reaction catalyzed by IMP dehydrogenase.
  • Guanine nucleotides: The end products of the pathway in which IMP dehydrogenase is involved.
  • GTP: A molecule that is synthesized from guanine nucleotides and is essential for cellular energy transfer.
  • Purine biosynthesis: The metabolic pathway in which IMP dehydrogenase plays a critical role.

Clinical Significance

Inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy in various diseases, including viral infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Several IMP dehydrogenase inhibitors are currently in clinical use or under development.

External links

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