GP73 Inhibitors

GP73 inhibitors encompass molecules that can affect the activity of GP73 indirectly by targeting processes that are crucial for its function. Since GP73 is known to modulate the secretion of certain lipoproteins in hepatocytes, chemicals that alter the Rab GTPase activity, and thereby affect the transport and secretion processes within cells, could be considered as part of this class. This includes statins, which by inhibiting the prenylation of Rab GTPases, hinders their proper localization and function, leading to the inhibition of GP73 activity.

The action of these inhibitors would be characterized by their influence on the post-translational modifications of proteins within the Rab family, which are necessary for their membrane association and subsequent regulatory functions in vesicular transport. Given that GP73's activity is related to the secretion of hepatic lipoproteins and is dependent on its GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity, molecules that interfere with the geranylgeranylation of Rab GTPases would result in a downstream impact on GP73 function, leading to altered lipid metabolism and transport within cells. These inhibitors would not bind directly to GP73 but would inhibit its function by altering the intracellular localization and activity of Rab GTPases, which are necessary for the proper functioning of GP73. This indirect method of inhibition showcases the complexity of cellular signaling pathways and the ability to target auxiliary pathways to inhibit the activity of a specific protein of interest.