Geranylpyrophosphate is an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway. It is formed from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and isopentenyl pyrophosphate by geranylpyrophosphate synthase. Geranylpyrophosphate is used in the biosynthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate , geranylgeranylpyrophosphate , cholesterol, terpenes, and terpenoids.
Geranylgeranylpyrophosphate, a key metabolite in protein geranylgeranylation, serves as the universal precursor for diterpenoids, such as Paclitaxel. Its role in cancer research stems from this critical function.