geranylgeranyl diphosphate biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate. [GOC:mah, MetaCyc:PWY-5120]

The geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) biosynthetic process is a crucial step in the production of isoprenoids, a vast and diverse class of organic molecules with essential roles in various cellular functions. GGPP is a 20-carbon isoprenoid that serves as a precursor for the synthesis of a wide range of biologically active compounds, including sterols, carotenoids, and ubiquinone.

The biosynthesis of GGPP occurs in the cytoplasm and involves a series of enzymatic reactions that begin with the condensation of two molecules of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) to form geranyl diphosphate (GPP). GPP is then elongated by another IPP molecule to generate farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Finally, FPP is further elongated by an additional IPP molecule to produce GGPP.

The key enzymes involved in this process are:

- **Isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (IPPI):** Catalyzes the isomerization of DMAPP to IPP.
- **Geranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS):** Condenses IPP and DMAPP to form GPP.
- **Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS):** Condenses IPP and GPP to form FPP.
- **Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS):** Condenses IPP and FPP to form GGPP.

GGPP biosynthesis is tightly regulated to ensure the appropriate levels of isoprenoids are produced to meet the cell's needs. Several factors, including the availability of substrates, enzyme activity, and the presence of regulatory proteins, can influence the rate of GGPP synthesis.

Defects in GGPP biosynthesis can lead to various human diseases, including disorders of the nervous system, skeletal system, and cardiovascular system. This highlights the essential role of GGPP in maintaining normal cellular function.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (13)