Although it can be farnesylated, the
mutant lamin A
protein expressed in Hutchinson Gilford
Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cannot be defarnesylated because the characteristic
mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the
protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated
protein (called “progerin”) that alters normal lamin A function as a
dominant negative, as well as assuming its own aberrant function through its association with the
nuclear membrane. The retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin
gene protein products, produces
disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) (both direct effectors and indirect inhibitors) will inhibit the formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and / or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of
aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve
disease status in
progeria and other laminopathies. In addition, elements of atherosclerosis and aging in non-laminopathy individuals will improve
after treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitors.