GGPS1 catalyzes the trans-addition of three molecules of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) onto dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) to form GGPP . GGPP is a key precursor for the C20-prenylation of proteins, which is essential for the post-translational modification of proteins, including those in the Ras superfamily of small GTPases . These modifications are critical for the proper functioning of various cellular processes, including signal transduction, cell growth, and differentiation .
The GGPS1 gene is located on chromosome 1q42.3 . It encodes a protein that consists of 300 amino acids and contains five conserved domains typical of prenyltransferases . The enzyme is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression observed in the heart, skeletal muscle, and testis .
Mutations or dysregulation of the GGPS1 gene have been associated with several diseases, including muscular dystrophy, congenital hearing loss, and ovarian insufficiency syndrome . The enzyme’s role in the mevalonate/isoprenoid pathway also implicates it in the regulation of lipid synthesis and small GTPase activity, which are fundamental to numerous cellular functions .