Unlocking the Potential of FTCD as a Drug Target and Biomarker

Unlocking the Potential of FTCD as a Drug Target and Biomarker

Introduction

Folic acid is a vital nutrient that plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of healthy neural tube development, as well as the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Folic acid supplementation is often taken to prevent neural tube defects, but an enzyme called FTCD ( Formimidoyltetrahydrofolate Cyclodeaminase) has been identified as a potential drug target and biomarker for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this article, we will explore the discovery, function, and potential therapeutic applications of FTCD as a drug target and biomarker.

FTCD: A Potential Drug Target

FTCD is an enzyme located in the brain that is responsible for the conversion of folic acid to its active form, 5-methyl-folic acid (5-MAF). Folic acid is a crucial molecule that plays a central role in the development and maintenance of neural tube development, as well as the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Neural tube defects, such as Down syndrome, are often caused by a deficiency in folic acid during embryonic development. Therefore, treating neural tube defects often involves supplementation with folic acid.

However, research has also shown that FTCD plays a crucial role in the regulation of neural tube development and that it is abnormally expressed in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Mutation in the FTCD gene has been identified in individuals with Down syndrome and other neural tube defects . Additionally, overexpression of FTCD has been shown to cause various neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairments, anxiety, and depression.

FTCD as a Biomarker

FTCD has also been identified as a potential biomarker for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The levels of FTCD have been shown to be abnormal in individuals with certain neurological disorders, such as Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, FTCD has been shown to be reduced in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

FTCD as a Drug Target

The therapeutic potential applications of FTCD as a drug target are vast. One of the most promising approaches is the use of FTCD as a target for small molecule inhibitors. Small molecules have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and PD. By inhibiting FTCD, small molecules can prevent the conversion of folic acid to its active form, which is essential for the development and maintenance of neural tube development.

Another approach to targeting FTCD is the use of gene therapy. Gene therapy involves the use of genes to treat diseases. By introducing a normal copy of the FTCD gene into individuals with Down syndrome or other neural tube defects, it is possible to restore the normal function of FTCD and prevent the development of neural tube defects.

Conclusion

FTCD is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of neural tube development. Its abnormal expression has been identified in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and PD. Additionally, FTCD has also been shown to be a potential biomarker for various disorders. The potential therapeutic applications of FTCD as a drug target and biomarker are vast and continue to be explored. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of FTCD in the development and treatment of neural tube defects and psychiatric disorders.

Protein Name: Formimidoyltransferase Cyclodeaminase

Functions: Folate-dependent enzyme, that displays both transferase and deaminase activity. Serves to channel one-carbon units from formiminoglutamate to the folate pool

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•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
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•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
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More Common Targets

FTCDNL1 | FTH1 | FTH1P1 | FTH1P10 | FTH1P11 | FTH1P12 | FTH1P2 | FTH1P20 | FTH1P22 | FTH1P24 | FTH1P3 | FTH1P4 | FTH1P5 | FTH1P7 | FTH1P8 | FTHL17 | FTL | FTLP16 | FTLP2 | FTLP3 | FTLP7 | FTMT | FTO | FTO-IT1 | FTOP1 | FTSJ1 | FTSJ3 | FTX | FUBP1 | FUBP3 | FUCA1 | FUCA2 | Fucosyl GM1 | Fucosyltransferase | FUNDC1 | FUNDC2 | FUNDC2P2 | FUNDC2P3 | FUOM | FURIN | FUS | FUT1 | FUT10 | FUT11 | FUT2 | FUT3 | FUT4 | FUT5 | FUT6 | FUT7 | FUT8 | FUT8-AS1 | FUT9 | FUZ | FXN | FXR1 | FXR2 | FXYD1 | FXYD2 | FXYD3 | FXYD4 | FXYD5 | FXYD6 | FXYD6-FXYD2 | FXYD7 | FYB1 | FYB2 | FYCO1 | FYN | FYTTD1 | FZD1 | FZD10 | FZD10-AS1 | FZD2 | FZD3 | FZD4 | FZD4-DT | FZD5 | FZD6 | FZD7 | FZD8 | FZD9 | FZR1 | G protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channel (GIRK) | G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases (GRKs) | G0S2 | G2E3 | G2E3-AS1 | G3BP1 | G3BP2 | G6PC1 | G6PC2 | G6PC3 | G6PD | GA-binding protein | GAA | GAB1 | GAB2 | GAB3 | GAB4