Formate Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Formate a simple anion derived from formic acid plays a significant role in metabolic processes. Known by its systematic name methanoate formate is a small molecule with a molar mass of 46.03 g/mol. It is found across various tissues where it participates in one-carbon metabolism. Cells generate formate through the breakdown of certain amino acids a pathway present in both mitochondria and cytosol. These sites of expression indicate the key involvement of formate in cellular energy dynamics.

Biological function summary

Formate acts as an important intermediary in one-carbon units transfer. It participates in the folate cycle where it serves as a donor of one-carbon units in the synthesis of purines and thymidine. Formate does not work alone; it often functions as part of a complex with other molecules involved in one-carbon metabolism pathways. The transfer of one-carbon units is essential for nucleotide biosynthesis and has implications in cellular proliferation and repair processes.

Pathways

Formate takes part actively in the folate and methionine cycles. These pathways play roles in cellular growth and methylation processes. Related proteins include methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase which facilitates formate's conversion into other active metabolic forms. Formate's role connects with pivotal cellular pathways that maintain homeostasis and growth implicating its significance in the broader metabolic network.

Associated diseases and disorders

Formate's metabolism links to conditions such as folate deficiency and cancer. Deficient folate levels may lead to impaired nucleotide synthesis with consequences for DNA repair mechanisms while altered formate metabolism is observed in certain cancers hinting at increased proliferation requirements. Proteins like dihydrofolate reductase which interacts with folate metabolism relate formate's biological activity to these disease states. Understanding the roles of formate and its associated proteins can offer insights into potential therapeutic targets.