Inhibitors of prenyl transferases

Abstract

Because farnesylation of Ras is required for its cancer-causing activity, several classes of farnesyl transferase inhibitors have recently been developed as potential anticancer drugs. During the last 12 months, important advances have been made in this field. In this review, we focus on three topics: targets of farnesyl transferase inhibitors other than Ras, alternative prenylation of K-Ras by the closely related prenyl transferase, geranyl geranyl transferase I, and the effects of geranyl geranyl transferase I inhibitors on cell cycle, apoptosis, and human tumor growth.