In depth analysis of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (CAS 29347-89-5): the active form of folate and its relationship with the core coenzyme of life
5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) is the active form of folate in the body. As a core coenzyme for one carbon unit transfer, it is widely involved in key physiological processes such as nucleic acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and red blood cell generation. This article will systematically introduce its basic information, core functions, and scientific research applications.
1、 Basic Product Information
5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate is the active product of folate (vitamin B9) reduced by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) -4. It does not directly come from the diet itself, but is converted from ingested folate in the body.
1）English name: 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrophenolic acid
2）Chinese name: 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate
3）Molecular formula: C19H23N7O6
4）Molecular weight: 445.43 g/mol
5）CAS number: 29347-89-5
6）structural formula：
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Chemical classification: Water soluble vitamins (active form of vitamin B9), coenzymes
2、 Biochemical function: as a carrier for one carbon unit
The core function of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate is to act as a carrier and coenzyme for one carbon units (such as methyl, formyl, etc.). It participates in the following key metabolic pathways by carrying and transferring these single carbon groups:
1) Nucleic acid synthesis
THF participates in the synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymine nucleotides. N5 and N10 methylenetetrahydrofolate transfer carbon units to dUMP to generate dTMP, which is the fundamental material for DNA replication and cell division.
2)Amino acid metabolism
THF plays a central role in the interconversion between glycine and serine. Serine is the main carbon source for the conversion of THF to N5, N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, while also generating glycine. This cycle is crucial for maintaining amino acid balance.
3)Methionine cycle and methylation
N5 methyltetrahydrofolate (stored in THF) can transfer the methyl group to vitamin B12, and then transfer the methyl group to homocysteine through methionine synthase to generate methionine. Methionine is further converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is the most important methyl donor in the body and participates in life activities such as DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis.
3、 Physiological effects and clinical significance
1)Maintain normal red blood cell production
THF is crucial for the normal maturation of red blood cells by supporting nucleic acid synthesis. Lack of THF can hinder cell division and cause megaloblastic anemia.
2)Collaborative anti-tumor therapy
Due to the crucial role of THF in DNA synthesis, its metabolic pathway is an important target for anti-tumor drugs. For example:
Methotrexate (MTX) inhibits tumor cell proliferation by blocking THF regeneration by inhibiting DHFR
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) blocks THF mediated dTMP production by inhibiting thymidylate synthase
In clinical practice, derivatives of THF (such as calcium folinate) can be used as “rescue agents” to reduce the toxicity of methotrexate to normal cells.
3)Synergistic effect with vitamin B12
THF and vitamin B12 complement each other in the methionine cycle, and B12 deficiency can lead to THF being “functionally captured” as N5 methylTHF and unable to be recycled, even if the total amount of folate is sufficient, functional folate deficiency can still occur.
4、 Product application scenarios
1)Research tools (non human use)
5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (CAS 29347-89-5) is widely used as a reference standard in biochemical research for studying folate mediated one carbon transfer pathways, nucleotide biosynthesis, and cell proliferation metabolism This product is usually for scientific research purposes only and is not intended for therapeutic or veterinary use.
2)Nutritional supplements
As the active form of vitamin B9, THF is also used to correct dietary imbalances or insufficient folate intake.
5、 Summary
5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate is the active form of folate that truly exerts its biological functions in the body. It serves as the core hub of a carbon unit metabolic network, connecting key life processes such as nucleic acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, red blood cell generation, and methylation reactions. Whether as a research tool or as the foundation for understanding folate related diseases and treatments, THF has irreplaceable importance.
Product Manager Email:ada@coreychem.com
