Lawrence J. Altman

Polyisoprenoid amphiphilic compounds as inhibitors of squalene synthesis and other microsomal enzymes

Analogues of farnesyl pyrophosphate containing a farnesyl moiety and a variety of amine residues replacing the pyrophosphate have been synthesized. Most of these compounds were effective inhibitors of the synthesis of squalene and presqualene pyrophosphate from farnesyl pyrophosphate. 50% inhibition was obtained at concentrations between 50 and 100 micron. These analogues also inhibited other microsomal enzymes so they apparently function as general inhibitors of microsomal enzymes.

Resolution of presqualene and prephytoene alcohols

Synthetic presqualene and prephytoene alcohols have been resolved through their etienic acid derivatives; the biologically active prephytoene alcohol (as its pyrophosphate) has the (1R,2R,3R) absolute configuration.