In enzymology, a dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (NADP+) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are 5,6-dihydrouracil and NADP+, whereas its 3 products are uracil, NADPH, and H+. In humans the enzyme is encoded by the DPYD gene. It is the initial and rate-limiting step in pyrimidine catabolism. It catalyzes the reduction of uracil and thymine. It is also involved in the degradation of the chemotherapeutic drugs 5-fluorouracil and tegafur. It also participates in beta-alanine metabolism and pantothenate and coa biosynthesis.

Terminology

The systematic name of this enzyme class is 5,6-dihydrouracil:NADP+ 5-oxidoreductase. Other names in common use include:

Structural studies

As of late 2007, 5 structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with PDB accession codes, , , , and.

Function

The protein is a pyrimidine catabolic enzyme and the initial and rate-limiting factor in the pathway of uracil and thymidine catabolism. Genetic deficiency of this enzyme results in an error in pyrimidine metabolism associated with thymine-uraciluria and an increased risk of toxicity in cancer patients receiving 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy.

Interactive pathway map