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The Sound of Evolution
Methotrexate
Mechanism of action:
Methotrexate is a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. Methotrexate competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking the conversion of dihydrofolic acid into tetrahydrofolic acid. Since tetrahydrofolic acid is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate (dTMP), this inhibition leads to impaired DNA and RNA synthesis.
Reference(s):
1. Inoue K et al. (2014). Molecular basis for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet.
2. Przekop PR et al. (2006). Adverse drug reaction to methotrexate: pharmacogenetic origin. J Am Osteopath Assoc.
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