Shmtol2

Shmtol2, also known as serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2, mitochondrial, is a protein-coding gene found in humans. This gene encodes a mitochondrial enzyme that plays a crucial role in the one-carbon metabolism pathway. Specifically, it catalyzes the reversible interconversion of serine and glycine, a process vital for nucleotide synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and the regeneration of tetrahydrofolate, a key cofactor.

The enzyme encoded by SHMTOL2 functions within the mitochondria, distinguishing it from its cytosolic counterpart, SHMT1. This mitochondrial localization is important for the metabolic compartmentalization within the cell, allowing for distinct regulatory mechanisms and substrate availability. The reaction catalyzed by Shmtol2 involves the transfer of a hydroxymethyl group from serine to tetrahydrofolate, producing glycine and N5,N10-methenyltetrahydrofolate.

Mutations or dysregulation of SHMTOL2 have been implicated in various biological processes and diseases. Research suggests its involvement in cancer cell proliferation due to the high demand for nucleotides and one-carbon units in rapidly dividing cells. Understanding the precise function and regulation of Shmtol2 is an ongoing area of scientific investigation, with potential implications for therapeutic interventions targeting metabolic pathways in diseases.