Structure of a fungal 1,3-β-glucan synthase

Sci Adv. 2023 Sep 15;9(37):eadh7820. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adh7820. Epub 2023 Sep 13.

Abstract

1,3-β-Glucan serves as the primary component of the fungal cell wall and is produced by 1,3-β-glucan synthase located in the plasma membrane. This synthase is a molecular target for antifungal drugs such as echinocandins and the triterpenoid ibrexafungerp. In this study, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1,3-β-glucan synthase (Fks1) at 2.47-Å resolution. The structure reveals a central catalytic region adopting a cellulose synthase fold with a cytosolic conserved GT-A-type glycosyltransferase domain and a closed transmembrane channel responsible for glucan transportation. Two extracellular disulfide bonds are found to be crucial for Fks1 enzymatic activity. Through structural comparative analysis with cellulose synthases and structure-guided mutagenesis studies, we gain previously unknown insights into the molecular mechanisms of fungal 1,3-β-glucan synthase.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Catalysis
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • beta-Glucans*

Substances

  • beta-Glucans
  • 1,3-beta-glucan synthase
  • Antifungal Agents