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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Antifungals: need to search for a new molecular target
A T Sangamwar1, U D Deshpande, S S Pekamwar
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Nanded Pharmacy College, Nanded-431 605, India.
Abstract:
In the 1990s, drug resistance has become an important problem in a variety of infectious diseases including human immunodeficiency virus infection, tuberculosis, and other bacterial infections which have profound effects on human health. At the same time, there have been dramatic increase in the incidence of fungal infections, which are probably the result of alterations in immune status associated with the acquired immuno deficiency syndrome epidemic, cancer chemotherapy, and organ and bone marrow transplantation. The rise in the incidence of fungal infections has exacerbated the need for the next generation of antifungal agents, since many of the currently available drugs have undesirable side effects, are ineffective against new or reemerging fungi, or lead to the rapid development of the resistance. This review will focus on the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, since a large body of work on the factors and mechanism associated with antifungal drug resistance in this organism is reported sufficiently. It will certainly elaborate the probable molecular targets for drug design, discovered to date.
Insights
Antifungal drug resistance is a growing concern, particularly in Candida albicans. This review explores resistance mechanisms and potential molecular targets for new antifungal drug development.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising incidence of fungal infections, especially Candida albicans, linked to immunocompromised states.
- Current antifungal drugs face limitations including side effects, inefficacy against emerging fungi, and rapid resistance development.
- Significant global health impact of drug-resistant infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors and mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans.
- To identify and discuss potential molecular targets for novel antifungal agent design.
- To address the urgent need for next-generation antifungal therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on Candida albicans antifungal resistance.
- Analysis of reported molecular mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to resistance.
- Identification of validated and potential molecular targets for drug discovery.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of various mechanisms conferring antifungal resistance in Candida albicans.
- Elaboration on specific molecular targets identified through extensive research.
- Discussion of the challenges and opportunities in developing new antifungal drugs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding resistance mechanisms in Candida albicans is crucial for effective treatment.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways offers promising strategies for new antifungal drug development.
- Continued research is essential to combat the escalating threat of antifungal resistance.
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