Inhibition of mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase by a proline-containing transition state analog

Mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase is involved in the conversion of MevPP to IPP in the biosynthesis of steroids and terpenoids from mevalonate. Based on a hypothetical model of the transition state of this enzymatic transformation we have synthesized novel hydroxyacetyl proline analogs that are potent inhibitors of the enzyme.