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Inhibitors of amino acids biosynthesis as antifungal agents

Kamila Jastrzębowska1, Iwona Gabriel

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233, Gdansk, Poland.

Amino Acids
|November 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fungi synthesize essential amino acids using unique enzymes. Inhibiting these fungal-specific enzymes shows promise for developing novel antifungal drugs, though in vivo efficacy requires further study.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Fungi, including pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi, synthesize all proteinogenic amino acids, nine of which are essential for humans.
  • Specific enzymes in amino acid biosynthesis pathways are unique to fungi.
  • Auxotrophic fungal mutants lacking specific amino acid biosynthesis pathways exhibit reduced growth and virulence in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of amino acid biosynthesis pathways in fungi.
  • To identify fungal-specific enzymes as potential targets for antifungal chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of fungal amino acid biosynthesis pathways.
  • Analysis of fungal-specific enzymes and their roles in fungal growth and virulence.
  • Evaluation of existing studies on chemical inhibitors targeting these enzymes.

Main Results:

  • Fungal-specific enzymes in essential amino acid biosynthesis are crucial for fungal growth and virulence.
  • In vitro studies show antifungal activity of inhibitors targeting these enzymes.
  • In vivo antifungal efficacy of these compounds is not always consistent with in vitro results.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal amino acid biosynthesis pathways present viable targets for antifungal drug development.
  • Further research is needed to optimize the in vivo efficacy of inhibitors targeting these fungal-specific enzymes.

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