Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
06:19
Infecting Mice with Malassezia spp. to Study the Fungus-Host Interaction
Published on: November 6, 2019
13.4K
Malassezia spp. carbonic anhydrases.
Silvia Selleri1, Andrea Angeli1
1NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
The Enzymes
|October 8, 2025
Summary
Malassezia carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are key drug targets for fungal infections. Selective inhibitors and activators were identified, offering potential for new antifungal therapies against conditions like dandruff.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are vital metalloenzymes regulating pH and CO₂ homeostasis.
- Malassezia fungal β-class CAs are implicated in dermatological conditions and represent promising drug targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibition and activation of carbonic anhydrases from Malassezia species.
- To identify selective inhibitors and activators for potential antifungal drug development.
Main Methods:
- Screening of diverse inhibitor classes including sulfonamides, boronic acids, phenols, dithiocarbamates, and benzoxaboroles.
- Investigating activation by biogenic amines and amino acids, focusing on catecholamines.
Main Results:
- Several compounds selectively inhibited Malassezia CAs over human isoforms.
- Malassezia CAs showed differential inhibition and activation profiles.
- M. restricta CA (MreCA) exhibited high sensitivity to L-adrenaline, suggesting a link to stress responses.
Conclusions:
- Differential inhibition and activation of Malassezia β-CAs offer insights into fungal physiology and enzyme regulation.
- Selective inhibitors and activators provide a basis for designing next-generation antifungal agents.
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