FNTA cDNA Clone – Farnesyltransferase, CAAX Box, Alpha (Human)

Prenyltransferases can attach either a farnesyl group or a geranylgeranyl group in thioether linkage to the cysteine residue of proteins with a C-terminal CAAX box. CAAX geranylgeranyltransferase and CAAX farnesyltransferase are heterodimers that share the same alpha subunit but have different beta subunits. This gene encodes the alpha subunit of these transferases. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Related pseudogenes have been identified on chromosomes 11 and 13. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010]

FNTA: Catalyzes the transfer of a farnesyl or geranyl-geranyl moiety from farnesyl or geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate to a cysteine at the fourth position from the C-terminus of several proteins having the C-terminal sequence Cys-aliphatic-aliphatic-X. The alpha subunit is thought to participate in a stable complex with the substrate. The beta subunit binds the peptide substrate. Through RAC1 prenylation and activation may positively regulate neuromuscular junction development downstream of MUSK. Belongs to the protein prenyltransferase subunit alpha family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: EC 2.5.1.58; Transferase; EC 2.5.1.59

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 8p11

Cellular Component: cytoplasm; cytosol; microtubule associated complex

Molecular Function: alpha-tubulin binding; CAAX-protein geranylgeranyltransferase activity; microtubule binding; protein binding; protein farnesyltransferase activity; protein geranylgeranyltransferase activity

Biological Process: cell structure disassembly during apoptosis; protein farnesylation; protein geranylgeranylation; regulation of rhodopsin mediated signaling; transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway