HealthAugust 12, 2026

farnesyltransferase

far-NEE-zul-trans-fuh-RAYS

Definition

An enzyme that facilitates the addition of a specific lipid molecule to proteins, a process which can be blocked to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.

Etymology

The word is a compound derived from 'farnesol,' a terpene alcohol, and 'transferase,' an enzyme category that transfers functional groups. It was coined in biochemistry to describe the specific function of this enzymatic catalyst.

In the news

In the article, it is mentioned as the target of the inhibitor drug 'tipifarnib,' which Kura Oncology is developing to treat specific types of cancer by blocking this enzyme's activity.

Kura Oncology (NASDAQ:KURA) Issues Earnings Results

Read the full article ↗

MarketBeat

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