5-Fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a uracil analog that has a fluorine atom on the fifth carbon position. It acts as a strong anti-cancer agent where its metabolization disrupts both RNA and DNA synthesis. 5-FU metabolites, Fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP) and fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP), imitate uracil and are incorporated into RNA strands which effectively inhibits further synthesis.

Inhibition of DNA synthesis by 5-FU occurs through thymidylate synthase inhibition. A metabolite produced by 5-FU metabolism, fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP), bind to the nucleotide binding site of thymidylate synthase. Halting this enzyme’s activity significantly diminishes deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) production which consequently depletes dTMP within an organism.

Product Specifications
5-Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil

Formula: C₄H₃FN₂O₂

MW: 130.08 g/mol

Storage/Handling: Store desiccated at room temperature.

PubChem Chemical ID: 3385