DUT (gene)

DUTP pyrophosphatase, also known as DUT, is an is_associated_with::enzyme which in humans is encoded by the DUT is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes an essential enzyme of nucleotide metabolism. The encoded protein forms a ubiquitous, homotrimeric enzyme that hydrolyzes is_associated_with::dUTP to is_associated_with::dUMP and pyrophosphate. This reaction serves two cellular purposes: providing a precursor (dUMP) for the synthesis of thymine nucleotides needed for is_associated_with::DNA replication, and limiting intracellular pools of dUTP. Elevated levels of dUTP lead to increased incorporation of is_associated_with::uracil into DNA, which induces extensive excision repair mediated by uracil glycosylase. This repair process, resulting in the removal and reincorporation of dUTP, is self-defeating and leads to DNA fragmentation and cell death. Alternative splicing of this gene leads to different isoforms that localize to either the mitochondrion or nucleus. A related pseudogene is located on chromosome 19.