The de novo synthesis pathway is crucial for rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Enzymes like ribonucleotide reductase, thymidylate synthase, and dihydrofolate reductase are often overexpressed in cancer cells to facilitate the increased production of nucleotides. Targeting these enzymes has been a strategy in cancer treatment, exemplified by drugs like methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil.
