deoxycytidine metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving deoxycytidine, 2-deoxyribosylcytosine, one of the four major nucleosides of DNA. [GOC:go_curators]

Deoxycytidine metabolic process is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of DNA. It involves the conversion of deoxycytidine, a nucleoside containing deoxyribose and cytosine, into other nucleotides required for DNA replication and repair. This process is tightly regulated to ensure accurate DNA synthesis and maintain the integrity of the genome. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. **Deoxycytidine Kinase (dCK):** The first step involves the phosphorylation of deoxycytidine by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), an enzyme responsible for the activation of deoxycytidine. This reaction adds a phosphate group to the 5' hydroxyl group of deoxycytidine, forming deoxycytidine monophosphate (dCMP).

2. **Deoxycytidylate Deaminase (DCD):** dCMP can be converted to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP), a precursor for thymine, by the enzyme deoxycytidylate deaminase (DCD). This reaction involves the removal of an amino group from the cytosine base of dCMP, converting it to uracil. The resulting uracil-containing nucleotide, dUMP, is then further processed into dTMP through a series of enzymatic reactions.

3. **Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR):** Deoxycytidine can also be formed from ribonucleotides, specifically cytidine monophosphate (CMP). The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is responsible for the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. This process involves the reduction of the 2' hydroxyl group of ribose to a hydrogen atom, forming deoxyribose.

4. **Deoxycytidine Triphosphate (dCTP):** dCMP can undergo further phosphorylation by kinases to form deoxycytidine diphosphate (dCDP) and then deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP). dCTP is the activated form of deoxycytidine and is directly used as a building block for DNA synthesis.

5. **DNA Polymerase:** During DNA replication, DNA polymerase enzymes use dCTP, along with other deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dATP, dGTP, and dTTP), to synthesize new DNA strands, ensuring the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

The deoxycytidine metabolic process is tightly intertwined with other metabolic pathways, including nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA replication, and repair. Dysregulation of this process can lead to various genetic disorders and diseases, highlighting the critical role of deoxycytidine metabolism in maintaining cellular function and overall health.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (5)