Abstract
Mammalian cells require activated folates to generate nucleotides for growth and division. The most abundant circulating folate species is 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF), which is used to synthesize methionine from homocysteine via the cobalamin-dependent enzyme methionine synthase (MTR). Cobalamin deficiency traps folates as 5-methyl-THF. Here, we show using isotope tracing that methionine synthase is only a minor source of methionine in cell culture, tissues, or xenografted tumors. Instead, methionine synthase is required for cells to avoid folate trapping and assimilate 5-methyl-THF into other folate species. Under conditions of physiological extracellular folates, genetic MTR knockout in tumor cells leads to folate trapping, purine synthesis stalling, nucleotide depletion, and impaired growth in cell culture and as xenografts. These defects are rescued by free folate but not one-carbon unit supplementation. Thus, MTR plays a crucial role in liberating tetrahydrofolate for use in one-carbon metabolism.
Competing Interest Statement
J.D.R. is a paid advisor and stockholder in Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, L.E.A.F. Pharmaceuticals, and Rafael Pharmaceuticals; a paid consultant of Pfizer; a founder, director, and stockholder of Farber Partners and Serien Therapeutics. JDR and JMG are inventors of patents in the area of folate metabolism held by Princeton University. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: J.D.R. is a paid advisor and stockholder in Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, L.E.A.F. Pharmaceuticals, and Rafael Pharmaceuticals; a paid consultant of Pfizer; a founder, director, and stockholder of Farber Partners and Serien Therapeutics. JDR and JMG are inventors of patents in the area of folate metabolism held by Princeton University.
