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Targeting MTHFD2 to Exploit Cancer-Specific Metabolism and the DNA Damage Response

Louise Ramos1,2, Martin Henriksson3, Thomas Helleday1,3

  • 1Weston Park Cancer Centre and Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Cancer Research
|November 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2) is a key cancer target. Inhibitors targeting MTHFD2 show promise for treating MTHFD2-overexpressing cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2) is upregulated in various cancers.
  • MTHFD2 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and is linked to poor patient survival.
  • MTHFD2 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on MTHFD2 function in cancer.
  • It examines the development and mechanisms of small-molecule inhibitors targeting MTHFD2 and MTHFD1.
  • The focus is on inhibitors for MTHFD2-overexpressing cancers.

Key Points:

  • MTHFD2 enzyme activity is crucial for cancer cell proliferation and survival.
  • Small-molecule inhibitors targeting MTHFD2 are emerging as potential anticancer therapeutics.
  • Different inhibitors target MTHFD2 and MTHFD1 through distinct mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • MTHFD2 is a validated target in oncology due to its role in cancer progression.
  • Inhibitors of MTHFD2 offer a novel therapeutic strategy for MTHFD2-driven malignancies.
  • Further research into MTHFD2 inhibitors could lead to new cancer treatments.

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