Fig. 2. Overview of folate metabolism and mechanism of action of methotrexate.
Rectangles with continous borders represent substances in the folic acid cycle; rectangles with dotted borders represent substances in the methionine cycle; rectangles with dashed borders represent substances needed for DNA synthesis; ovals with continous borders represent enzymes; ovals with dashed borders represent cofactors; lines originating from methotrexate represent enzyme inhibition by methotrexate; B12 vitamin B12; DHFR dihydrofolate reductase; MS methionine synthase; SHMT serine hydroxymethyltransferase; TS thymidylate synthase.