Farnesyltransferase's targets include members of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins critical to cell cycle progression.
FTase is also believed to play an important role in development of progeria and various forms of cancers.
Most farnesylated proteins are involved in cellular signaling wherein membrane association is critical for function.
Farnesyltransferase coordinates a zinc cation on its β subunit at the lip of the active site.
Farnesyltransferase has a hydrophobic binding pocket for farnesyl diphosphate, the lipid donor molecule.