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Updated: May 13, 2026

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
Echinocandins: production and applications
Tamás Emri1, László Majoros, Viktória Tóth
1Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary. emri.tamas@science.unideb.hu
Echinocandins are crucial antifungals targeting fungal cell walls. This review details their structure, action, production, and clinical use, including resistance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Echinocandins, discovered in the 1970s, are cyclic lipo-hexapeptides derived from fungi.
- They function by inhibiting the fungal cell wall's β-1,3-glucan synthase complex.
- Over 20 natural echinocandins have been identified, leading to clinically approved semisynthetic derivatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural diversity of natural echinocandins.
- To summarize data on echinocandin mode of action, biosynthesis, and production.
- To discuss their clinical significance and mechanisms of resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of echinocandin research.
- Analysis of structure-activity relationships for semisynthetic derivatives.
- Examination of fungal resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Three echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) are clinically approved.
- These agents exhibit fungicidal or fungistatic activity against key human pathogens, including azole-resistant strains.
- Acquired resistance in Candida glabrata highlights the need for understanding resistance mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Echinocandins are vital antifungals with a unique mechanism of action.
- Continued research into their biosynthesis, resistance, and development is essential.
- They represent a significant addition to the antifungal therapeutic arsenal.
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