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

Abstract

Carbonic anhydrases are ubiquitous metalloenzymes which catalyze the CO₂ hydration to bicarbonate and proton. β-Carbonic Anhydrases from fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans, have been widely investigated as potential targets for antifungal therapies. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview on their properties highlighting their role as CO₂-sensing enzymes. We survey functional, biochemical, structural, and kinetic features, summarize inhibition and activation studies, and review in vitro experiments. Taken together, these data underscore fungal β‑carbonic anhydrases as promising potential targets for the development of new antifungal strategies.