Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (pronounced: dye-hydro-orotate de-hydrogen-ase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. The enzyme is responsible for the fourth step in the biosynthesis of pyrimidine, which is the conversion of dihydroorotate to orotate.
Etymology
The term "Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase" is derived from the name of the substrate it acts upon, dihydroorotate, and the type of reaction it catalyzes, a dehydrogenation.
Function
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase is involved in the production of pyrimidine nucleotides, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of dihydroorotate to orotate, a critical step in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway.
Clinical Significance
Inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, such as leflunomide, are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The inhibition of this enzyme leads to a decrease in pyrimidine synthesis, which in turn affects the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in autoimmune diseases.
Related Terms
- Enzyme
- De novo pyrimidine biosynthesis
- Pyrimidine
- DNA
- RNA
- Leflunomide
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
- Wikipedia's article - Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
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