Protein Prenyltransferases

Protein prenyltransferases are enzymes that transfer isoprenoid lipids (such as farnesyl or geranylgeranyl groups) to acceptor molecules. The attachment of these groups is known as prenylation. Farnesyltransferase (FTase) and geranylgeranyltransferase type 1 (GGTase 1) catalyze this modification, which takes place at a conserved cysteine residue in a CaaX motif in the protein substrate (in which 'C' is cysteine, 'a' is an aliphatic amino acid, and 'X' is variable). The attachment of a farnesyl group or a geranyl group permits membrane localization of proteins lacking a transmembrane domain, and occurs post-translationally.

FTase and GGTase 1 are heterodimeric enzymes that share a common α-subunit and different β-subunits. Target proteins include Ras, which is suggestive of a role for prenylation in tumor development. Ras requires farnesylation for malignant activity, and many of the downstream proteins it targets are also subject to farnesylation or geranylgeranylation in order to mediate the growth, survival and migration of tumor cells. Prenyltransferase inhibitors are therefore of interest in the development of cancer therapeutics. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) exhibit antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Geranylgeranyltransferase type 1 inhibitors (GGTIs) also induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

External sources of pharmacological information for Protein Prenyltransferases :

• BJP Guide

Protein Prenyltransferase Gene Data