Research advances in protein prenylation in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Protein prenylation is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification encompassing farnesylation and geranylgeranylation. This modification is fundamental to the precise regulation of protein localization, activity, and stability, thereby underpinning critical cellular functions. Aberrant prenylation is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases and influences a spectrum of pathological mechanisms in a complex manner. This review summarises current findings on the roles and mechanisms of prenylation in cardiovascular diseases, outlines its cellular functions, and highlights recent advances in drug development and detection technologies related to prenylation.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Isoprenoids; Protein prenylation; Small GTPases; Statins.