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Fisetin as a promising antifungal agent against Cryptocococcus neoformans species complex

M P C Reis1, C R C Carvalho1, F A Andrade1

  • 1Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|April 24, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fisetin, an antifungal flavonol, disrupts ergosterol biosynthesis and impairs cell metabolism in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. This suggests fisetin

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are pathogenic fungi causing cryptococcosis.
  • Fisetin is a flavonol with demonstrated antifungal activity.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of action of antifungal compounds is crucial for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms by which fisetin exerts its antifungal effects against the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex.
  • To evaluate the impact of fisetin on ergosterol biosynthesis and cellular morphology in Cryptococcus species.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii to fisetin.
  • Measurement of total cellular ergosterol content.
  • Flow cytometry analysis for metabolic activity and viability.
  • Scanning electron microscopy for morphological analysis.

Main Results:

  • Fisetin significantly decreased ergosterol content in Cryptococcus species.
  • Flow cytometry revealed metabolic impairment in fisetin-treated cells.
  • Morphological alterations, including changes in cell shape, were observed via electron microscopy.

Conclusions:

  • Fisetin interferes with ergosterol biosynthesis, a key component of fungal cell membranes.
  • Fisetin reduces the viability of metabolically active Cryptococcus cells.
  • Morphological changes induced by fisetin contribute to its antifungal activity, supporting its potential as a therapeutic lead for cryptococcosis.
Keywords:
Cryptococcus neoformansantifungal activityfisetinmechanisms of actionscanning electron microscopy

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