Anti-SHMT2/SHMT antibody

Supplementary info

Activity summary

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) also known as SHMT is an enzyme that plays a role in the mitochondrial compartment. It has a molecular mass of approximately 53 kDa. SHMT2 is highly expressed in tissues with elevated rates of oxidative metabolism such as the liver and brain. The enzyme catalyzes the reversible conversion of serine to glycine with the concomitant production of 510-methylenetetrahydrofolate a critical molecule for DNA synthesis and repair.

Biological function summary

The enzyme facilitates essential reactions in mitochondrial nucleotide synthesis. SHMT2 operates within a tetrameric complex that provides one-carbon units for cellular biosynthetic processes. The activity of SHMT2 links mitochondrial serine utilization directly to the folate cycle which is essential for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate. The efficient production of these nucleotides is important for rapidly dividing cells supporting their proliferation and maintenance.

Pathways

SHMT2 takes part in the folate and methionine metabolism pathways. It interacts with proteins like methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and thymidylate synthase which are essential for one-carbon metabolism. These interactions integrate SHMT2 activity into a larger network that balances the supply of nucleotides according to the cellular demand impacting vital pathways like DNA replication and repair.

Associated diseases and disorders

Elevated SHMT2 expression has been linked to cancer where it supports the rapid proliferation of tumor cells by providing necessary nucleotides. Its role in the mitochondrial folate pathway is also significant in neurodegenerative disorders. SHMT2 in conjunction with other proteins such as methionine synthase may play a role in the pathology of diseases like Alzheimer's by influencing homocysteine levels and oxidative stress in brain tissues.