Dihydrofolate reductase, commonly abbreviated as DHFR, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is essential for the conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, a reaction that is critical for the synthesis of purines, thymidylate, and certain amino acids. These molecules are vital for DNA synthesis and repair, making DHFR indispensable for cell proliferation and growth.
