Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor as Anticancer Agent

Anuj   G.   Agrawal; Rakesh   R.   Somani

doi:10.2174/138955709788452702

Abstract

Ras protein plays pivotal roles in control of normal and transformed cell growth. These ras genes are mutated in 30% of human cancer. For functioning of Ras protein its prenylation (farnesylation) is required. Therefore targeting Ras farnesylation is valuable approach for cancer treatment. Farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) has been developed as anticancer drug and is currently evaluated in clinical trials. Different types of FTI have been identified that inhibit Ras farnesylation. FTI in combination with some cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, exhibit additive effects.

Keywords: Farnesyltransferase, ras protein, farnesyltransferase inhibitor