Structural perturbations in the Ala --> Val polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase: how binding of folates may protect against inactivation

In human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) the Ala222Val (677C-->T) polymorphism encodes a heat-labile gene product that is associated with elevated levels of homocysteine and possibly with risk for cardiovascular disease. Generation of the equivalent Ala to Val mutation in Escherichia coli MTHFR, which is 30% identical to the catalytic domain of the human enzyme, creates a protein with enhanced thermolability. In both human and E. coli MTHFR, the A --> V mutation increases the rate of dissociation of FAD, and in both enzymes, loss of FAD is linked to changes in quaternary structure [Yamada, K., Chen, Z., Rozen, R., and Matthews, R. G. (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98, 14853-14858; Guenther, B. D., Sheppard, C. A., Tran, P., Rozen, R., Matthews, R. G., and Ludwig, M. L. (1999) Nat. Struct. Biol. 6, 359-365]. Folates have been shown to protect both human and bacterial enzymes from loss of FAD. Despite its effect on affinity for FAD, the A --> V mutation is located at the bottom of the (betaalpha)(8) barrel of the catalytic domain in a position that does not contact the bound FAD prosthetic group. Here we report the structures of the Ala177Val mutant of E. coli MTHFR and of its complex with the 5,10-dideazafolate analogue, LY309887, and suggest mechanisms by which the mutation may perturb FAD binding. Helix alpha5, which immediately precedes the loop bearing the mutation, carries several residues that interact with FAD, including Asn168, Arg171, and Lys172. In the structures of the mutant enzyme this helix is displaced, perturbing protein-FAD interactions. In the complex with LY309887, the pterin-like ring of the analogue stacks against the si face of the flavin and is secured by hydrogen bonds to residues Gln183 and Asp120 that adjoin this face. The direct interactions of bound folate with the cofactor provide one mechanism for linkage between binding of FAD and folate binding that could account in part for the protective action of folates. Conformation changes induced by folate binding may also suppress dissociation of FAD.     

Insights on the structural perturbations in human MTHFR Ala222Val mutant by protein modeling and molecular dynamics

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) protein catalyzes the only biochemical reaction which produces methyltetrahydrofolate, the active form of folic acid essential for several molecular functions. The Ala222Val polymorphism of human MTHFR encodes a thermolabile protein associated with increased risk of neural tube defects and cardiovascular disease. Experimental studies have shown that the mutation does not affect the kinetic properties of MTHFR, but inactivates the protein by increasing flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) loss. The lack of completely solved crystal structure of MTHFR is an impediment in understanding the structural perturbations caused by the Ala222Val mutation; computational modeling provides a suitable alternative. The three-dimensional structure of human MTHFR protein was obtained through homology modeling, by taking the MTHFR structures from Escherichia coli and Thermus thermophilus as templates. Subsequently, the modeled structure was docked with FAD using Glide, which revealed a very good binding affinity, authenticated by a Glide XP score of ?10.3983 (kcal mol^?1). The MTHFR was mutated by changing Alanine 222 to Valine. The wild-type MTHFR-FAD complex and the Ala222Val mutant MTHFR-FAD complex were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation over 50 ns period. The average difference in backbone root mean square deviation (RMSD) between wild and mutant variant was found to be ~.11 Å. The greater degree of fluctuations in the mutant protein translates to increased conformational stability as a result of mutation. The FAD-binding ability of the mutant MTHFR was also found to be significantly lowered as a result of decreased protein grip caused by increased conformational flexibility. The study provides insights into the Ala222Val mutation of human MTHFR that induces major conformational changes in the tertiary structure, causing a significant reduction in the FAD-binding affinity.     

A proteomic approach for the characterization of C677T mutation of the human gene methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the conversion of methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH2H4folate) to methyltetrahydrofolate (CH3H4folate). The C677T mutation is a common polymorphism of the human enzyme that leads to the replacement of Ala222Val, thermolability of MTHFR, and mild elevation of plasma homocysteine levels. A mild hyperhomocysteinemia is known to be risk factor for cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases, ischemic stroke, neural tube defects, late on-set dementia, and pregnancy complications. Human plasma of subjects carrying the C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene has been investigated for their protein pattern in order to identify novel molecular hallmarks. 2-D analysis of the plasma protein allowed the identification of a specific pattern associated with the TT mutant genotype. Noteworthy, we found one spot shifted to a more basic pI in mutant individuals, and MS identification corresponded to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP or group component (Gc) globulin). MS/MS peptide sequencing allowed to discriminate different allelic variants in the investigated clinical groups. These data confirmed by molecular genetic analysis highlight the novel association between the C677T MTHFR genotype with the Gc2 polymorphism of the DBP. Moreover, we found a quantitative reduction of Apolipoprotein A-I in mutant individuals, which was associated, in previous studies by others to an increased cardiovascular risk.     

Aspartate 120 of Escherichia coli methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase: evidence for major roles in folate binding and catalysis and a minor role in flavin reactivity

Escherichia coli methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the NADH-linked reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH(2)-H(4)folate) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CH(3)-H(4)folate) using flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as cofactor. MTHFR is unusual among flavin oxidoreductases because it contains a conserved, negatively rather than positively charged amino acid (aspartate 120) near the N1-C2=O position of the flavin. At this location, Asp 120 is expected to influence the redox properties of the enzyme-bound FAD. Modeling of the CH(3)-H(4)folate product into the enzyme active site suggests that Asp 120 may also play crucial roles in folate binding and catalysis. We have replaced Asp 120 with Asn, Ser, Ala, Val, and Lys and have characterized the mutant enzymes. Consistent with a loss of negative charge near the flavin, the midpoint potentials of the mutants increased from 17 to 30 mV. A small kinetic effect on the NADH reductive half-reaction was also observed as the mutants exhibited a 1.2-1.5-fold faster reduction rate than the wild-type enzyme. Catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) in the CH(2)-H(4)folate oxidative half-reaction was decreased significantly (up to 70000-fold) and in a manner generally consistent with the negative charge density of position 120, supporting a major role for Asp 120 in electrostatic stabilization of the putative 5-iminium cation intermediate during catalysis. Asp 120 is also intimately involved in folate binding as increases in the apparent K(d) of up to 15-fold were obtained for the mutants. Examining the E(red) + CH(2)-H(4)folate reaction at 4 degrees C, we obtained, for the first time, evidence for the rapid formation of a reduced enzyme-folate complex with wild-type MTHFR. The more active Asp120Ala mutant, but not the severely impaired Asp120Lys mutant, demonstrated the species, suggesting a connection between the extent of complex formation and catalytic efficiency.     

Molecular genetics of MTHFR: polymorphisms are not all benign

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key regulatory enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Research performed during the past decade has clarified our understanding of MTHFR deficiencies that cause homocystinuria or mild hyperhomocysteinemia. Our cloning of the MTHFR coding sequence was initially followed by the identification of the first deleterious mutations in MTHFR, in patients with homocystinuria and marked hyperhomocysteinemia. Shortly thereafter, we identified the 677C-->T variant and showed that it encoded a thermolabile enzyme with reduced activity. Currently, a total of 41 rare but deleterious mutations in MTHFR, as well as about 60 polymorphisms have been reported. The 677C-->T (Ala222Val) variant has been particularly noteworthy since it has become recognized as the most common genetic cause of hyperhomocysteinemia. The disruption of homocysteine metabolism by this polymorphism influences risk for several complex disorders, including cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects and some cancers. We describe here the complex structure of the MTHFR gene, summarize the current state of knowledge on rare and common mutations in MTHFR and discuss some relevant findings in a mouse model for MTHFR deficiency.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and low dietary folate increase embryonic delay and placental abnormalities in mice

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive research on mild methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency and low dietary folate in different disorders, the association of these metabolic disturbances with a variety of congenital defects and pregnancy complications remains controversial. In this study we investigated the effects of MTHFR and dietary folate deficiency at 10.5 days post coitum (dpc) in our mouse model of mild MTHFR deficiency. METHODS: Mthfr +/+ and +/? female mice were fed a control or folic acid–deficient diet for 6 weeks, then mated with Mthfr +/? males. At 10.5 dpc, embryos were examined and placentae were collected for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Maternal MTHFR and folate deficiencies resulted in increased developmental delays and smaller embryos. We also observed a low frequency of a variety of embryonic defects in the experimental groups, such as neural tube, heart looping, and turning defects; these results mimic the low incidence and multifactorial nature of these anomalies in humans. Folate‐deficient mice also had increased embryonic losses and severe placental defects, including placental abruption and disturbed patterning of placental layers. Folate‐deficient placentae had decreased ApoA‐I expression, and there was a trend toward a negative correlation between ApoA‐I expression with maternal homocysteine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides biological evidence linking maternal MTHFR and dietary folate deficiencies to adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice. It underscores the importance of folate not only in reducing the incidence of early embryonic defects, but also in the prevention of developmental delays and placental abnormalities that may increase susceptibility to other defects and to reproductive complications. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Folate, homocysteine and neural tube defects: an overview

Folate administration substantially reduces the risk on neural tube detects (NTD). The interest for studying a disturbed homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism in relation to NTD was raised by the observation of elevated blood Hcy levels in mothers of a NTD child. This observation resulted in the examination of enzymes involved in the folate-dependent Hcy metabolism. Thus far, this has led to the identification of the first and likely a second genetic risk factor for NTD. The C677T and A1298C mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene are associated with an increased risk of NTD and cause elevated Hcy concentrations. These levels can be normalized by additional folate intake. Thus, a dysfunctional MTHFR partly explains the observed elevated Hcy levels in women with NTD pregnancies and also, in part, the protective effect of folate on NTD. Although the MTHFR polymorphisms are only moderate risk factors, population-wide they may account for an important part of the observed NTD prevalence.     

Unique holoenzyme dimers of the tetrameric enzyme Escherichia coli methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase: characterization of structural features associated with modulation of the enzyme's function

Impaired functioning of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) can cause high levels of homocysteine in plasma or hyperhomocysteinemia, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and neural tube defects. We have studied in detail the effect of modulation of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions of Escherichia coli MTHFR on its structure and function. Alterations in hydrophobic interactions of MTHFR, using urea, lead to dissociation of the native tetramer, resulting in stabilization of enzymatically active holoenzyme dimers followed by unfolding of the holoenzyme dimer to the denatured monomer along with dissociation of FAD from the enzyme. This is the first report of an enzymatically active dimer of E. coli MTHFR and suggests that the dimer rather than tetramer is the smallest functionally active unit of the enzyme. Furthermore, these results also demonstrate that dissociation of the FAD cofactor from the enzyme occurs only on unfolding of the dimer to denatured monomers. Modulation of electrostatic interactions, using NaCl, leads to dissociation of the native enzyme, resulting in stabilization of an enzymatically inactive partially unfolded holoenzyme dimer. Comparative analysis of loss of enzymatic activity and changes in structural features of MTHFR demonstrate a very good correlation between enhanced flexibility of the enzyme-bound FAD and loss of enzymatic activity, suggesting the importance of rigidity of the FAD cofactor in maintenance of the enzymatic activity of MTHFR.     

Valproic acid increases expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and induces lower teratogenicity in MTHFR deficiency

Valproate (VPA) treatment in pregnancy leads to congenital anomalies, possibly by disrupting folate or homocysteine metabolism. Since methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme of folate interconversion and homocysteine metabolism, we addressed the possibility that VPA might have different teratogenicity in Mthfr(+/+) and Mthfr(+/-) mice and that VPA might interfere with folate metabolism through MTHFR modulation. Mthfr(+/+) and Mthfr(+/-) pregnant mice were injected with VPA on gestational day 8.5; resorption rates and occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) were examined on gestational day 14.5. We also examined the effects of VPA on MTHFR expression in HepG2 cells and on MTHFR activity and homocysteine levels in mice. Mthfr(+/+) mice had increased resorption rates (36%) after VPA treatment, compared to saline treatment (10%), whereas resorption rates were similar in Mthfr(+/-) mice with the two treatments (25-27%). NTDs were only observed in one group (VPA-treated Mthfr(+/+)). In HepG2 cells, VPA increased MTHFR promoter activity and MTHFR mRNA and protein (2.5- and 3.7-fold, respectively). Consistent with cellular MTHFR upregulation by VPA, brain MTHFR enzyme activity was increased and plasma homocysteine was decreased in VPA-treated pregnant mice compared to saline-treated animals. These results underscore the importance of folate interconversion in VPA-induced teratogenicity, since VPA increases MTHFR expression and has lower teratogenic potential in MTHFR deficiency.     

LINE-1 DNA methylation is inversely correlated with cord plasma homocysteine in man: A preliminary study

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has known beneficial effects. It reduces risk of neural tube defects and low birth weight. Folate and other one-carbon intermediates might secure these clinical effects via DNA methylation. However, most data on the effects of folate on the epigenome is derived from animal or in vitro models. We examined the relationship between cord blood methylation and maternal folic acid intake, cord blood folate and homocysteine using data from 24 pregnant women. Genome-wide methylation was determined by the level of methylation of LINE-1 repeats using Pyrosequencing. We show that cord plasma homocysteine (p = 0.001, r = -0.688), but not serum folate or maternal folic acid intake, is inverse correlated with LINE-1 methylation. This remained significant after correction for potential confounders (p = 0.004). These data indicate that levels of folate-associated intermediates in cord blood during late pregnancy have significant consequences for the fetal epigenome.     

A bacterial model for studying effects of human mutations in vivo: Escherichia coli strains mimicking a common polymorphism in the human MTHFR gene

A simple bacterial model for studying effects of human mutations in vivo, when homologous genes exist in bacterial and human cells, is presented. We have constructed Escherichia coli strains bearing different alleles of the metF gene, an ortologue of human MTHFR gene, coding for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. These strains bear a null mutation in the chromosomal metF gene and different metF alleles on plasmid(s), and thus there are merozygotes mimicking wild-type homozygotes, heterozygotes and recessive mutant homozygotes. The A177V mutantion in metF corresponds to one of the most common MTHFR polymorphism, A222V, which has been shown to be associated with increased levels of homocysteine in plasma that, in turn, causes many serious medical problems. Results of relatively simple and quick experiments with these strains are compatible with previously published reports on effects of the A222V substitution in the product of MTHFR gene. In addition, these results suggest either impairment of formation of heterodimers and/or heterotetramers by wild-type and A177V metF variants or dominance of the wild-type polypepides in such structures. Moreover, positive effects of folic acid and vitamins B2 and B12 on physiology of the mutant cells, suggested on the basis of clinical studies, is confirmed. Therefore, we conclude that the bacterial model described in this report may be a useful tool in studies on human mutations.     

Properties and crystal structure of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase from Thermus thermophilus HB8

Background

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is one of the enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. Despite considerable genetic and clinical attention, the reaction mechanism and regulation of this enzyme are not fully understood because of difficult production and poor stability. While recombinant enzymes from thermophilic organisms are often stable and easy to prepare, properties of thermostable MTHFRs have not yet been reported.

Methodology/Principal Findings

MTHFR from Thermus thermophilus HB8, a homologue of Escherichia coli MetF, has been expressed in E. coli and purified. The purified MTHFR was chiefly obtained as a heterodimer of apo- and holo-subunits, that is, one flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) prosthetic group bound per dimer. The crystal structure of the holo-subunit was quite similar to the β₈α₈ barrel of E. coli MTHFR, while that of the apo-subunit was a previously unobserved closed form. In addition, the intersubunit interface of the dimer in the crystals was different from any of the subunit interfaces of the tetramer of E. coli MTHFR. Free FAD could be incorporated into the apo-subunit of the purified Thermus enzyme after purification, forming a homodimer of holo-subunits. Comparison of the crystal structures of the heterodimer and the homodimer revealed different intersubunit interfaces, indicating a large conformational change upon FAD binding. Most of the biochemical properties of the heterodimer and the homodimer were the same, except that the homodimer showed ≈50% activity per FAD-bound subunit in folate-dependent reactions.

Conclusions/Significance

The different intersubunit interfaces and rearrangement of subunits of Thermus MTHFR may be related to human enzyme properties, such as the allosteric regulation by S-adenosylmethionine and the enhanced instability of the Ala222Val mutant upon loss of FAD. Whereas E. coli MTHFR was the only structural model for human MTHFR to date, our findings suggest that Thermus MTHFR will be another useful model for this important enzyme.     

Neonatal and fetal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms: an examination of C677T and A1298C mutations

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations are commonly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and, through their defects in homocysteine metabolism, they have been implicated as risk factors for neural tube defects and unexplained, recurrent embryo losses in early pregnancy. Folate sufficiency is thought to play an integral role in the phenotypic expression of MTHFR mutations. Samples of neonatal cord blood (n=119) and fetal tissue (n=161) were analyzed for MTHFR C677T and A1298C mutations to determine whether certain MTHFR genotype combinations were associated with decreased in utero viability. Mutation analysis revealed that all possible MTHFR genotype combinations were represented in the fetal group, demonstrating that 677T and 1298C alleles could occur in both cis and trans configurations. Combined 677CT/1298CC and 677TT/1298CC genotypes, which contain three and four mutant alleles, respectively, were not observed in the neonatal group (P=.0402). This suggests decreased viability among fetuses carrying these mutations and a possible selection disadvantage among fetuses with increased numbers of mutant MTHFR alleles. This is the first report that describes the existence of human MTHFR 677CT/1298CC and 677TT/1298CC genotypes and demonstrates their potential role in compromised fetal viability.     

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase family of proteins

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) family of proteins catalyze the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. They contain a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as the cofactor and the enzyme in eukaryotes, except in yeast, is known to be allosterically regulated by S-adenosylmethionine. Some cardiovascular diseases, neural tube defects, neuropsychiatric diseases and certain type of cancers in humans are associated with certain polymorphisms of MTHFR. Here, we analyzed 57 of MTHFR polypeptide sequences by multiple sequence alignment and determined previously unrecognized conserved residues that may have a functional or structural importance. A previously unrecognized ATP synthase motif was found in all of the examined plant MTHFRs, suggesting a different functional capability to the plant MTHFRs in addition to the known function. On a phylogenetic tree built, eukaryotic MTHFR proteins formed a clear cluster separated from prokaryotic and archeal relatives. The sequence identities among the eukaryotic MTHFRs were less divergent than the bacterial MTHFRs.     

Neural tube defects, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation, and north/south dietary differences in China

There is a well-recognized correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation homozygosity, elevated plasma homocysteine, and increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). This risk is modulated by maternal and fetal folate levels provided provided by diet or supplement. Although the frequencies of the C677T mutation are nearly identical between north and south China, the incidence of NTDs is nearly 5 times greater in the north than in the south. This dramatic difference appears related to the fact that dietary sources of folate are more plentiful and varied in South China.     

Failure of homocysteine to induce neural tube defects in a mouse model

BACKGROUND: Folate deficiencies have been associated with many adverse congenital abnormalities. It is not clear, however, whether these defects are due to a folate deficiency or to an increase in homocysteine. Homocysteine has been shown to be teratogenic in the chicken-embryo model and it has been suggested that homocysteine-induced defects are mediated by inhibiting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor on neural crest cells. The majority of the teratology studies have been carried out using the chicken embryo model. In an effort to develop a murine model of homocysteine-induced neural tube defects, several inbred mouse strains were treated with homocysteine or the NMDA inhibitor MK801 and the fetuses examined for any induced-NTD. METHODS: Several in-bred mouse strains were administered homocysteine once on gestational day (GD) E8.5 or once daily on GD 6.5-10.5. Additionally, because homocysteine was been reported to mediate its effects through the NMDA receptor, the effect of MK801, an antagonist of this receptor, was also investigated. RESULTS: Regardless of the mouse treatment time, homocysteine failed to induce neural tube defects in our in-bred mouse strains. Homocysteine also failed to increase the number of neural tube defects in the splotch strain, regardless of the genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the mouse strain or treatment, homocysteine failed to induce neural tube defects in our mouse models, which is in contrast to what has been reported in the chicken embryo models.     

Folate activation and catalysis in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase from Escherichia coli: roles for aspartate 120 and glutamate 28

The flavoprotein Escherichia coli methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH(2)-H(4)folate) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CH(3)-H(4)folate). The X-ray crystal structure of the enzyme has revealed the amino acids at the flavin active site that are likely to be relevant to catalysis. Here, we have focused on two conserved residues, Asp 120 and Glu 28. The presence of an acidic residue (Asp 120) near the N1-C2=O position of the flavin distinguishes MTHFR from all other known flavin oxidoreductases and suggests an important function for this residue in modulating the flavin reactivity. Modeling of the CH(3)-H(4)folate product into the enzyme active site also suggests roles for Asp 120 in binding of folate and in electrostatic stabilization of the putative 5-iminium cation intermediate during catalysis. In the NADH-menadione oxidoreductase assay and in the isolated reductive half-reaction, the Asp120Asn mutant enzyme is reduced by NADH 30% more rapidly than the wild-type enzyme, which is consistent with a measured increase in the flavin midpoint potential. Compared to the wild-type enzyme, the mutant showed 150-fold decreased activity in the physiological NADH-CH(2)-H(4)folate oxidoreductase reaction and in the oxidative half-reaction involving CH(2)-H(4)folate, but the apparent K(d) for CH(2)-H(4)folate was relatively unchanged. Our results support a role for Asp 120 in catalysis of folate reduction and perhaps in stabilization of the 5-iminium cation. By analogy to thymidylate synthase, which also uses CH(2)-H(4)folate as a substrate, Glu 28 may serve directly or via water as a general acid catalyst to aid in 5-iminium cation formation. Consistent with this role, the Glu28Gln mutant was unable to catalyze the reduction of CH(2)-H(4)folate and was inactive in the physiological oxidoreductase reaction. The mutant enzyme was able to bind CH(3)-H(4)folate, but reduction of the FAD cofactor was not observed. In the NADH-menadione oxidoreductase assay, the mutant demonstrated a 240-fold decrease in activity.     

Structures of NADH and CH3-H4folate complexes of Escherichia coli methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase reveal a spartan strategy for a ping-pong reaction

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductases (MTHFRs; EC 1.7.99.5) catalyze the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH(2)-H(4)folate) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (CH(3)-H(4)folate) using flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor. The initial X-ray structure of Escherichia coli MTHFR revealed that this 33-kDa polypeptide is a (betaalpha)(8) barrel that aggregates to form an unusual tetramer with only 2-fold symmetry. Structures of reduced enzyme complexed with NADH and of oxidized Glu28Gln enzyme complexed with CH(3)-H(4)folate have now been determined at resolutions of 1.95 and 1.85 A, respectively. The NADH complex reveals a rare mode of dinucleotide binding; NADH adopts a hairpin conformation and is sandwiched between a conserved phenylalanine, Phe223, and the isoalloxazine ring of FAD. The nicotinamide of the bound pyridine nucleotide is stacked against the si face of the flavin ring with C4 adjoining the N5 of FAD, implying that this structure models a complex that is competent for hydride transfer. In the complex with CH(3)-H(4)folate, the pterin ring is also stacked against FAD in an orientation that is favorable for hydride transfer. Thus, the binding sites for the two substrates overlap, as expected for many enzymes that catalyze ping-pong reactions, and several invariant residues interact with both folate and pyridine nucleotide substrates. Comparisons of liganded and substrate-free structures reveal multiple conformations for the loops beta2-alpha2 (L2), beta3-alpha3 (L3), and beta4-alpha4 (L4) and suggest that motions of these loops facilitate the ping-pong reaction. In particular, the L4 loop adopts a "closed" conformation that allows Asp120 to hydrogen bond to the pterin ring in the folate complex but must move to an "open" conformation to allow NADH to bind.     

Genetic basis of neural tube defects. II. Genes correlated with folate and methionine metabolism

Effective supplementation with folate, which prevents neural tube defect (NTD) occurrence, and high homocysteine levels in the blood of NTD children's mothers suggest that genes involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism can be involved in NTD aetiology. Genes encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) or methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) belong to the first group. Genes encoding methionine synthase (MTR), its regulator - methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) and also cystathionine synthase (CBS) can be included in the second group. We present a current list of the folate and homocysteine metabolism genes that are known to be involved in NTD and pay special attention to primary and secondary NTD prevention.     

还原叶酸载体基因（RFC1）与神经管和颅面畸形病因学关系的研究进展

神经管畸形和颅面畸形是最常见的出生缺陷,由遗传和环境因素共同作用所致,大规模的人群流行病学研究已证实,叶酸能降低发生这类畸形的危险。叶酸缺乏是神经管和颅面畸形发生的主要环境因素,但其机制尚不清楚,通过对与叶酸代谢有关的还原叶酸载体（reduced folate carrier,RFC）的生化特点、生理功能、还原叶酸载体基因（RFC1）结构功能、调控、表达及其与叶酸水平和神经管颅面畸形的关系等研究进展进行综述,从而为神经管和颅面畸形的病因学研究提出可能的候选基因。 Abstract: Neural tube and craniofacial defects are common birth defects which are ascribed to the combination of genetic and environmental factors. The population epidemiological studies suggested that periconceptional use of multivitamins containing folic acid can reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with neural tube and craniofacial defects. It’s a major environmental factor that periconceptinal women with deficiency of folic acid may increase their risk for delivering babies with neural tube and craniofacial defects, but the mechanism by which folic acid facilitated this risk rediction is unknown. This paper reviews folate transport carrier, Reduced Folate Carrier(RFC)’s characteristics in biological chemistry, physiological function, the folate transport mechanism, structure, function, regulation and expression of reduced folate carrier gene(RFC1), and the relationship between RFC1 with plasm or erythrocyte folate level and neural tube defects, et al. It is suggested a etiologic hypothesis in investigation of candidate gene encoding specific folat-related pathways of neural tube and craniofacial defects.