Prenyl Diphosphate Synthase 2 (PDSS2)

PDSS2 is an enzyme that synthesizes the prenyl side-chain of coenzyme Q, or ubiquinone, one of the key elements in the respiratory chain. The gene product catalyzes the formation of all trans-polyprenyl pyrophosphates from isopentyl diphosphate in the assembly of polyisoprenoid side chains, the first step in coenzyme Q biosynthesis. Defects in this gene are a cause of coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder with variable manifestations. It can be associated with three main clinical phenotypes: a predominantly myopathic form with central nervous system involvement, an infantile encephalomyopathy with renal dysfunction and an ataxic form with cerebellar atrophy.