Farnesyltransferase Beta (FNTb)

Andres et al. (1993) localized the gene for the beta subunit of CAAX farnesyltransferase (FNTB) to 14q23-q24 by Southern blot hybridization and PCR analyses of panels of human/Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrid lines and by fluorescence chromosomal in situ hybridization. They found a related farnesyltransferase gene, FNTBL1, on chromosome 9.Long et al. (2002) presented a complete series of structures representing the major steps along the reaction coordinate of the enzyme protein farnesyltransferase. From these observations, Long et al. (2002) deduced the determinants of substrate specificity and an unusual mechanism in which product release requires binding of substrate, analogous to classically processive enzymes. A structural model for the transition state consistent with previous mechanistic studies was also constructed.