Inhibiting C-4 Methyl Sterol Oxidase with Novel Diazaborines to Target Fungal Plant Pathogens

ACS Chem Biol. 2022 Jun 17;17(6):1343-1350. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00257. Epub 2022 May 18.

Abstract

With resistance to current agricultural fungicides rising, a great need has emerged for new antifungals with unexploited targets. In response, we report a novel series of diazaborines with potent activity against representative fungal plant pathogens. To identify their mode of action, we selected for resistant isolates using the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Whole-genome sequencing of independent diazaborine-resistant lineages identified a recurring mutation in ERG25, which encodes a C-4 methyl sterol oxidase required for ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi. Haploinsufficiency and allele-swap experiments provided additional genetic evidence for Erg25 as the most biologically relevant target of our diazaborines. Confirming Erg25 as putative target, sterol profiling of compound-treated yeast revealed marked accumulation of the Erg25 substrate, 4,4-dimethylzymosterol and depletion of both its immediate product, zymosterol, as well as ergosterol. Encouraged by these mechanistic insights, the potential utility of targeting Erg25 with a diazaborine was demonstrated in soybean-rust and grape-rot models of fungal plant disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Ergosterol*
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases* / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Sterols

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Sterols
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • methylsterol monooxygenase
  • Ergosterol