The cytochrome bc1 complex as an antipathogenic target

FEBS Lett. 2020 Sep;594(18):2935-2952. doi: 10.1002/1873-3468.13868. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Abstract

The cytochrome bc1 complex is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chains of many eukaryotic microorganisms that are pathogenic for plants or humans, such as fungi responsible for crop diseases and Plasmodium falciparum, which causes human malaria. Cytochrome bc1 is an enzyme that contains two (ubi)quinone/quinol-binding sites, which can be exploited for the development of fungicidal and chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we review recent progress in determination of the structure and mechanism of action of cytochrome bc1 , and the associated development of antimicrobial agents (and associated resistance mechanisms) targeting its activity.

Keywords: G143A; QoI/QiI; cytochrome bc1; electron transport; fungicide; malaria; resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Electron Transport Complex III* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Electron Transport Complex III* / metabolism
  • Fungal Proteins* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fungal Proteins* / metabolism
  • Fungi / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum* / drug therapy
  • Malaria, Falciparum* / enzymology
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / enzymology*
  • Protozoan Proteins* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protozoan Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antimalarials
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Electron Transport Complex III