Squalene synthase was modulated by a protein degradation mechanism. Squalene synthase C-terminal peptide is an ER-targeting transmembrane signal peptide. A mechanism was engineered to degrade ER membrane-integrating protein. Enterococcus mvaS and mvaE were used to improve sesquiterpene production in yeast. Destabilizing squalene synthase redirects carbon flux to nerolidol production.