Page last updated: 2024-10-24

folic acid transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of folic acid (pteroylglutamic acid) into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. Folic acid is widely distributed as a member of the vitamin B complex and is essential for the synthesis of purine and pyrimidines. [GOC:ai]

Folic acid, a vital B vitamin, is transported into cells via a complex and tightly regulated process. This process involves a family of membrane proteins known as reduced folate carriers (RFCs), primarily RFC1, which are responsible for the facilitated diffusion of reduced folates, such as tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), across cell membranes. The transport mechanism is dependent on the electrochemical gradient of the folate molecule, meaning that folic acid moves from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

RFC1 is found in various tissues and cell types, including the intestines, liver, kidneys, and erythrocytes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining intracellular folate levels, which are essential for numerous cellular processes. These processes include DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation; nucleotide biosynthesis; and the synthesis of amino acids, such as methionine and glycine.

The transport process can be influenced by various factors, including:

* **Dietary folate intake:** Increased intake of dietary folate can lead to higher intracellular folate levels.
* **Genetic factors:** Polymorphisms in the RFC1 gene can affect transporter activity and folate levels.
* **Other nutrients:** Interplay exists with other nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron, affecting folate transport and metabolism.
* **Disease states:** Certain conditions, like pregnancy, anemia, and chronic inflammation, can alter folate transport and utilization.

The precise regulation of folate transport is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function and preventing folate deficiency, which can result in various health complications, including neural tube defects in newborns, megaloblastic anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Proteins (5)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Proton-coupled folate transporterA proton-coupled folate transporter that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q96NT5]Homo sapiens (human)
Reduced folate transporterA reduced folate transporter that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P41440]Homo sapiens (human)
Folate receptor alphaA folate receptor alpha that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P15328]Homo sapiens (human)
Folate receptor betaA folate receptor beta that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P14207]Homo sapiens (human)
Thiamine transporter 1A thiamine transporter 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O60779]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (5)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
methotrexatedicarboxylic acid;
monocarboxylic acid amide;
pteridines
abortifacient;
antimetabolite;
antineoplastic agent;
antirheumatic drug;
dermatologic drug;
DNA synthesis inhibitor;
EC 1.5.1.3 (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitor;
immunosuppressive agent
10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin: structure in first source

pralatrexate : A pteridine that is the N-4-[1-(2,4-diaminopteridin-6-yl)pent-4-yn-2-yl]benzoyl derivative of L-glutamic acid. Used for treatment of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
N-acyl-L-glutamic acid;
pteridines;
terminal acetylenic compound
antimetabolite;
antineoplastic agent;
EC 1.5.1.3 (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitor
thiorphan
raltitrexedN-acyl-amino acid
pemetrexedpemetrexed disodium : An organic sodium salt that is the disodium salt of N-{4-[2-(2-amino-4-oxo-4,7-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl}-L-glutamic acid. Inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), 421 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT).N-acyl-L-glutamic acid;
pyrrolopyrimidine
antimetabolite;
antineoplastic agent;
EC 1.5.1.3 (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitor;
EC 2.1.1.45 (thymidylate synthase) inhibitor;
EC 2.1.2.2 (phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase) inhibitor
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