Ribonucleotide Reductase: Difference between revisions

Activity of RNR is controlled by substrate specificity and enzymatic activity. Substrate activity functions by allowing the binding of different nucleotides which results in the reduction of a specific NTP. This regulation occurs at the active site. ATP or dATP can bind to activate or inhibit activity which allows for enzymatic activity to be controlled. Mutations can occur within the genome if there is an imbalance in the pools of dNTPs. These are the building blocks for DNA, and if the pool is altered, then it can lead to genomic instability. Having accurate DNA repair and replication allows for development, tumor-free cells, and growth. Having issues within the genome can cause several human diseases, mitochondrial disorders, and cause a person to be more susceptible to infection and cancer. High expressions of RNR is a main characteristic for cancers since it influences DNA replication so heavily. For this reason, RNRs play a major role in targeting anticancer and antibacterial drugs and therapies. RNR inhibitors are being studied to see if they can potentially serve as cancer treatment that is effective. More and more research is being done everyday in order to fully understand ribonucleotide reductase and all of its classes. For decades, dNTP machinery and RNR has been used and exploited for therapeutic benefits. They serve an important target for developing an efficient cancer drug.