Gene DHFR

Also known as

DHFRP1, DYR, dihydrofolate reductase

Overview

DHFR (Dihydrofolate Reductase) encodes an essential enzyme in folate metabolism that reduces dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate (THF), the biologically active form of folate. THF is required for one-carbon transfer reactions essential for DNA synthesis, methylation reactions, and amino acid metabolism.

DHFR is the target of the anticancer drug methotrexate and the antibiotic trimethoprim, which work by inhibiting the enzyme and depleting cellular folate pools. Genetic variants affecting DHFR activity or expression may influence folate status, neural tube defect risk, and response to antifolate medications. A common 19bp deletion in DHFR affects mRNA stability.

Understanding your DHFR genetic status is relevant for folate metabolism and drug response. Individuals with variants affecting DHFR function may have different folate requirements and should be monitored more closely when taking antifolate medications. DHFR is particularly important for rapidly dividing cells.

NutraHacker Raw DNA Analysis Products that include this gene

• Complete Mutation Nutrition Report

Upload raw DNA data to get your very own analysis of gene DHFR through your personalized DNA reports.