Clinical Significance
Inhibition of squalene synthase, e.g., by lapaquistat, is under investigation as a method of lowering cholesterol levels in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It has also been suggested that variants in this enzyme may be part of a genetic association with hypercholesterolemia. (Lapaquistat is no longer being investigated for clinical use.)
Other squalene synthase inhibitors include Zaragozic acid, and RPR 107393.
Squalene synthase homolog inhibition in Staphylococcus aureus is currently being investigated as a virulence factor-based antibacterial therapy.
Read more about this topic: Farnesyl-diphosphate Farnesyltransferase
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