Prenyltransferase

Prenyltransferases (PTs) are a class of enzymes that transfer allylic prenyl groups to acceptor molecules. Prenyl transferases commonly refer to isoprenyl diphosphate syntheses (IPPSs). Prenyltransferases are a functional category and include several enzyme groups that are evolutionarily independent.

Prenyltransferases are commonly divided into two classes, cis (or Z) and trans (or E), depending upon the stereochemistry of the resulting products. Examples of trans-prenyltranferases include dimethylallyltranstransferase, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase. Cis-prenyltransferases include dehydrodolichol diphosphate synthase (involved in the production of a precursor to dolichol). Trans- and cis-prenyltransferases are evolutionarily unrelated to each other and there is no sequential and structural similarity.