InterPro domain: IPR039702

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS; 2.5.1.10 ; also known as Erg2) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPS) are key enzymes in the synthesis of various isoprenoid-containing compounds and proteins. FPS catalyzes the sequential condensation of isopentenyl pyrophosphate to form farnesyl pyrophosphate. FPS is a Mg ² -containing protein, binding three ions [ 1 ]. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, GGPS is a paralogue of FPS, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase is a heterodimer of FPS and GGPS [ 2 ].

This family also includes a further isoprenoid biosynthesis enzyme, chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (also known as bifunctional chrysanthemol synthase, chloroplastic) from plants, which has been shown to catalyse two pathway steps in the biosynthesis of pyrethrins [ 3 ].

1. Farnesyl diphosphate synthetase. Molecular cloning, sequence, and expression of an essential gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J. Biol. Chem. 264, 19176-84
2. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase in fission yeast is a heteromer of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), Fps1, and an FPS-like protein, Spo9, essential for sporulation. Mol. Biol. Cell 18, 3568-81
3. Chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase operates in planta as a bifunctional enzyme with chrysanthemol synthase activity. J. Biol. Chem. 289, 36325-35