Isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1 (IDI1)

Isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1 (IDI1) is a crucial enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, responsible for catalyzing the reversible isomerization of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). This reaction represents a key committed step, providing essential precursors for the biosynthesis of all isoprenoids, including cholesterol, steroid hormones, ubiquinone, and the prenyl groups necessary for modifying a wide array of proteins (protein prenylation). Due to its fundamental role in cellular metabolism, proliferation, and survival, and its observed dysregulation in various disease states, particularly cancer, IDI1 is considered a potential therapeutic target for novel anti-cancer strategies and in the context of some infectious diseases where microbial orthologs can be targeted.

Other names

IPP isomeraseIPPIIsopentenyl-diphosphate isomerase 1Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase 1IPP-Isomerase

Drugs targeting IDI1 would function by directly inhibiting its enzymatic activity, thereby blocking the isomerization of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). This disruption of a key step in the mevalonate pathway would impair the biosynthesis of essential isoprenoids, cholesterol, and the prenylation of proteins, ultimately leading to cellular growth arrest or apoptosis, particularly in cells with high metabolic demand (e.g., cancer cells) or in pathogens reliant on this pathway.