Inhibition of sterol 4-demethylation in Candida albicans by 6-amino-2-n-pentylthiobenzothiazole, a novel mechanism of action for an antifungal agent

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1995 Jul;39(7):1538-41. doi: 10.1128/AAC.39.7.1538.

Abstract

The effects of 6-amino-2-n-pentylthiobenzothiazole (APB), a new antifungal agent, on ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied, using [14C]acetate incorporation. In C. albicans, the inhibition of growth was accompanied by a marked inhibition of acetate incorporation in 4-desmethylsterols, with a significant portion of the radiolabel being incorporated in 4,4-dimethylsterols, lanosterol, and 4,4-dimethylzymosterol and minor amounts being incorporated in 4-methylsterols and squalene. The data are interpreted as evidence of a block of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway at the level of 4-demethylation of 4,4-dimethylzymosterol, with partial inhibition of lanosterol 14-dimethylation and squalene epoxidation also being possible. In 6-amino-2-n-pentylthiobenzothiazole-treated S. cerevisiae, a significant amount of the radiolabel was incorporated also in 4-methylsterols, 4-methylzymosterol, and 4-methylfecosterol, indicating that in this microorganism there are different sensitivities of the two 4-demethylations and that the pathway is blocked at the level of 4-demethylation of 4-methylsterols.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / growth & development
  • Candida albicans / metabolism*
  • Ergosterol / blood*
  • Methylation / drug effects
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / drug effects
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Thiazoles
  • 6-amino-2-n-pentylthiobenzothiazole
  • Ergosterol