FDFT1
FDFT1 (farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1), also known as squalene synthase or SQS, is a membrane-associated enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum. It condenses two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate to form squalene, the first committed step of sterol biosynthesis. Browse Assay Genie's current range of FDFT1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
FDFT1 catalyses the condensation of two farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) moieties to form squalene. The reaction proceeds in two distinct steps. In the first half-reaction, two molecules of FPP react to form the stable intermediate presqualene diphosphate (PSQPP), with release of a proton and a molecule of inorganic diphosphate. In the second half-reaction, PSQPP undergoes heterolysis, isomerisation and reduction with NADPH or NADH to give squalene. Because this is the first committed enzyme of the sterol biosynthesis pathway, FDFT1 directs farnesyl pyrophosphate towards sterol production.
The FDFT1 gene encodes a membrane-associated enzyme that sits at a branch point in the mevalonate pathway. According to the NCBI Gene summary, the encoded protein is the first specific enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, catalysing the dimerisation of two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate in a two-step reaction. UniProt places the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and the FDFT1 protein belongs to the phytoene/squalene synthase family. Orthologous genes are named Fdft1 in both mouse and rat.
The HGNC-approved name is farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1, while the protein is widely referred to by its function as squalene synthase (SQS). Its enzyme classification is EC 2.5.1.21. Researchers studying cholesterol biosynthesis, isoprenoid metabolism and the mevalonate pathway use FDFT1 as a key reference point for how flux is committed to sterols.
FDFT1 is the first specific enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, making it a central point for studying sterol production.
The enzyme sits at a branch point in the mevalonate pathway, where farnesyl diphosphate is directed towards squalene.
The two-step conversion of FPP to squalene via presqualene diphosphate, using NADPH or NADH, is a model for enzymology.
As a membrane-associated enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum, FDFT1 is relevant to studies of lipid-metabolising enzymes at this organelle.
FDFT1, or squalene synthase, catalyses the condensation of two farnesyl pyrophosphate molecules into squalene via a presqualene diphosphate intermediate. The second step uses NADPH or NADH. It is the first committed enzyme of the sterol biosynthesis pathway and acts at a branch point in the mevalonate pathway.
The HGNC name is farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1, and the UniProt protein name is squalene synthase, abbreviated SQS. The enzyme carries the classification EC 2.5.1.21. No previous HGNC symbols or names are recorded, so the main alternatives are SQS and squalene synthase.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene named Fdft1. The protein belongs to the phytoene/squalene synthase family. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before using it with a particular species.
Other mevalonate pathway and cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P37268; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.