Conclusion

NADPH’s key role in biological anabolism makes it essential for most living systems. NADPH has a variety of functions ranging from ensuring the integrity of red blood cells to lipid biosynthesis. Along with its relative NADH, NADPH acts as a major carrier of electrons and hydrogen ions in a variety of metabolic pathways. NADPH is one of the most universal and important cofactors stressing the importance of redox reactions in biological systems. NADPH can exist in either the reduced (NADPH) or oxidized (NADP+) form. The reduced form is predominantly used to fuel reducing power for synthesis. NADPH is generated through the pentose phosphate pathway. The major regulatory enzyme in this pathway is G6P Dehydrogenase (G6PDH), which oxidizes G6P to 6-Phosphogluconate then to ribulose-5-phosphate. NADPH acts as a cofactor in dihydrofolate reductase which produces a deoxynucleotide precursor. Thus this enzyme/cofactor complex is of pharmaceutical importance as an anti-proliferative agent. NADPH is an vital cofactor and its stability is essential for its biological function because it enables enzymes to control the flow of reducing power.