deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving a deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate, a compound consisting of a nucleobase linked to a deoxyribose sugar esterified with triphosphate on the sugar. [GOC:go_curators, ISBN:0198506732]

Deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate metabolic process is a fundamental biochemical pathway responsible for the synthesis and utilization of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), the building blocks of DNA. This process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that convert ribonucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) into their corresponding dNDPs, which are then further phosphorylated to dNTPs. The dNTPs are then used by DNA polymerases to synthesize new DNA strands during replication and repair. The process is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome.

The pathway can be divided into several key steps:

1. **Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) activity:** RNR is a key enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of NDPs to dNDPs. This step involves the removal of a hydroxyl group from the 2' position of the ribose sugar, converting ribose to deoxyribose.

2. **Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activity:** dCK is responsible for the phosphorylation of deoxycytidine (dC) to dCMP. This step is essential for the synthesis of dCTP, one of the four dNTPs required for DNA synthesis.

3. **Thymidylate synthase (TS) activity:** TS catalyzes the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to thymidine monophosphate (dTMP). This step is crucial for the synthesis of dTTP, another essential dNTP for DNA synthesis.

4. **dNTP synthesis from dNDPs:** The final step in the pathway involves the phosphorylation of dNDPs to dNTPs. This reaction is catalyzed by specific kinases, such as nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK).

The deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate metabolic process is tightly regulated to ensure the appropriate supply of dNTPs for DNA synthesis. This regulation involves a complex interplay of factors, including the availability of substrates, the activity of enzymes, and the cellular environment.

Disruptions in this pathway can lead to various genetic disorders and diseases, such as DNA replication errors, mutations, and cancer.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)