biostudies-literatureZimbres FMNIH HHS178https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10780415biostudies-literatureUnknown29(1)Dolichols are isoprenoid end-products of the mevalonate and 2<i>C</i>-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate pathways. The synthesis of dolichols is initiated with the addition of several molecules of isopentenyl diphosphate to farnesyl diphosphate. This reaction is catalyzed by a <i>cis</i>-prenyltransferase and leads to the formation of polyprenyl diphosphate. Subsequent steps involve the dephosphorylation and reduction of the α-isoprene unit by a polyprenol reductase, resulting in the generation of dolichol. The size of the dolichol varies, depending on the number of isoprene units incorporated. In eukaryotes, dolichols are synthesized as a mixture of four or more different lengths. Their biosynthesis is predicted to occur in the endoplasmic reticulum, where dolichols play an essential role inMolecules (Basel, Switzerland)Aptamer-Based Imaging of Polyisoprenoids in the Malaria Parasite.PMC10780415AI108819T32-AI060546Merino EFButschek GJZimbres FMButler JHCassera MBDuconge FfalseAptamer-Based Imaging of Polyisoprenoids in the Malaria Parasite.Dolichols are isoprenoid end-products of the mevalonate and 2<i>C</i>-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate pathways. The synthesis of dolichols is initiated with the addition of several molecules of isopentenyl diphosphate to farnesyl diphosphate. This reaction is catalyzed by a <i>cis</i>-prenyltransferase and leads to the formation of polyprenyl diphosphate. Subsequent steps involve the dephosphorylation and reduction of the α-isoprene unit by a polyprenol reductase, resulting in the generation of dolichol. The size of the dolichol varies, depending on the number of isoprene units incorporated. In eukaryotes, dolichols are synthesized as a mixture of four or more different lengths. Their biosynthesis is predicted to occur in the endoplasmic reticulum, where dolichols play an essential role in2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Dec2025-04-04T13:59:50.779Z2025-04-04T13:59:50.779ZS-EPMC107804153820276110.3390/molecules29010178