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.