{"title":"Targeting Fks1 proteins for novel antifungal drug discovery.","authors":"Vinit Kumar, Juan Huang, Yawen Dong, Ge-Fei Hao","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":13.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/3/15 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (TIPS) is a monthly peer-reviewed reviews journal that focuses on a wide range of topics in pharmacology, pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and toxicology. Launched in 1979, TIPS publishes concise articles discussing the latest advancements in pharmacology and therapeutics research.
The journal encourages submissions that align with its core themes while also being open to articles on the biopharma regulatory landscape, science policy and regulation, and bioethics.
Each issue of TIPS provides a platform for experts to share their insights and perspectives on the most exciting developments in the field. Through rigorous peer review, the journal ensures the quality and reliability of published articles.
Authors are invited to contribute articles that contribute to the understanding of pharmacology and its applications in various domains. Whether it's exploring innovative drug therapies or discussing the ethical considerations of pharmaceutical research, TIPS provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the pharmacological sciences.