5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms and Pharmacogenetics: A New Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Folate Metabolic Pathway in Human Health and Disease

Author: Kim, Young-In

Source: Nutrition Reviews, Volume 63, Number 11, November 2005 , pp. 398-407(10)

Publisher: International Life Sciences Institute

Abstract:

Knowledge about the role of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the folate metabolic pathway in human health and disease has been rapidly expanding. Recently, functionally significant SNPs in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a critical enzyme for intracellular folate homeostasis and metabolism, have been identified and characterized. An emerging body of in vitro and clinical evidence suggests that these MTHFR SNPs may be an important pharmacogenetic determinant of predicting response to and toxicity of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil-based cancer and anti-inflammatory treatments because of their well-defined and highly relevant biochemical effects on intracellular folate composition and one-carbon transfer reactions.

Keywords: DNA METHYLATION; FOLATE; MTHFR; SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.1301/nr.2005.nov.398-407

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$20.00 plus tax