The FDPS gene (FDPS stands for: Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase) is a protein coding gene located on chromosome 1q22. The FDPS gene encodes a key enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis that catalyzes the formation of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), a precursor for several classes of essential metabolites, including sterols, dolichols, carotenoids and ubiquinones.
FPP also serves as a substrate for farnesylation and geranylgeranylation of proteins.
FPP catalyzes the sequential condensation of isopentenyl pyrophosphate with the allylic pyrophosphates, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and then with the resulting geranyl pyrophosphate to the final product farnesyl pyrophosphate. Farnesyl pyrophosphate is a ligand or agonist for certain hormone and growth receptors.