NT5C1

NT5C1, or cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase 1, is a human gene that encodes an enzyme involved in nucleotide metabolism. The encoded enzyme resides in the cytosol and contributes to the regulation of intracellular nucleotide pools by catalyzing the hydrolysis of nucleoside monophosphates to nucleosides and inorganic phosphate. This activity supports nucleotide salvage pathways and helps balance the levels of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides within the cell.

NT5C1 belongs to the family of cytosolic 5'-nucleotidases, a group of enzymes with distinct substrate specificities and tissue distributions. The substrate range of NT5C1 includes several nucleoside monophosphates, and its activity complements other nucleotidases in maintaining nucleotide homeostasis. The enzyme is generally expressed across multiple human tissues, with expression patterns that reflect its broad role in cellular metabolism rather than a highly tissue-restricted function.

In research and clinical contexts, cytosolic 5'-nucleotidases, including NT5C1, are of interest for their influence on intracellular nucleotide pools and responsiveness to nucleoside analogue drugs used in cancer therapy. Changes in the activity or expression of NT5C1 can affect drug sensitivity and nucleotide metabolism in model systems, although direct disease associations with NT5C1 mutations are not widely established in the medical literature.

NT5C1 is catalogued in standard genomic and proteomic resources and is studied alongside related enzymes such as NT5C2 and other nucleotidases to understand the broader regulatory network governing nucleotide metabolism.