Catalyzes the conversion of inosine 5'-phosphate (IMP) to xanthosine 5'-phosphate (XMP), the first committed and rate-limit
ing step in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides, and therefore plays an important role in the regulation of cell g
rowth (PubMed:7903306, PubMed:7763314). Could also have a single-stranded nucleic acid-binding activity and could play a ro
le in RNA and/or DNA metabolism (PubMed:14766016). It may also have a role in the development of malignancy the growth
progression of some tumors.
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