Saccharomyces cerevesiae, Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans β-CAs.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Mycology

Background:

• Carbonic anhydrases are essential metalloenzymes catalyzing CO₂ hydration.
• Beta-carbonic anhydrases in fungi are crucial for their survival and virulence.
• These enzymes play a role in sensing carbon dioxide levels within fungal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of fungal beta-carbonic anhydrases.
• To highlight their function as CO₂-sensing enzymes.
• To evaluate their potential as antifungal drug targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of functional, biochemical, structural, and kinetic studies.
• Summary of inhibition and activation studies.
• Review of in vitro experimental data.

Main Results:

• Fungal beta-carbonic anhydrases exhibit diverse functional and structural characteristics.
• These enzymes are involved in crucial cellular processes regulated by CO₂.
• Numerous studies demonstrate their inhibition and activation by various compounds.

Conclusions:

• Fungal beta-carbonic anhydrases possess unique properties making them attractive therapeutic targets.
• Targeting these enzymes offers a potential strategy for developing new antifungal agents.
• Further research into fungal beta-carbonic anhydrases could lead to effective treatments for fungal diseases.