dihydrofolate reductase: translation
(= DHFR)
An enzyme (EC 1.5.1.3) involved in the biosynthesis of folic acid coenzymes, that transfers hydrogen from NADP to dihydrofolate, yielding tetrahydrofolic acid, an essential vitamin cofactor in purine, thymidine and methionine synthesis. Inhibitors (eg. aminopterin and amethopterin, components of HAT medium) can be used as antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.