MTHFD2: A Retrospective and a Glance into the Future.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (NAD+-dependent), methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2) was confirmed in mammals in 1985.
• Four decades of research have followed its initial discovery.
• MTHFD2 is a key enzyme in the folate pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a retrospective on four decades of research on MTHFD2.
• To highlight MTHFD2's roles in the folate pathway, amino acid and redox homeostasis.
• To discuss MTHFD2's involvement in cancer and immune cell metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of MTHFD2 research.
• Biochemical characterization of MTHFD2.
• Analysis of MTHFD2's metabolic and non-canonical functions.

Main Results:

• MTHFD2 is integral to folate metabolism.
• MTHFD2 influences amino acid and redox balance.
• MTHFD2 is implicated in cancer and immune cell metabolism.

Conclusions:

• MTHFD2 has diverse and critical roles in cellular functions.
• Further research into MTHFD2's non-canonical roles is warranted.
• MTHFD2 presents potential therapeutic targets in cancer and immune disorders.