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.
Geranyl pyrophosphate is an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway. It is formed from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and isopentenyl pyrophosphate by geranyl pyrophosphate synthase. Geranyl pyrophosphate is used in the biosynthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate , geranylgeranylpyrophosphate , cholesterol, terpenes, and terpenoids.