Effects of cilofungin (LY121019) on carbohydrate and sterol composition of Candida albicans.
Cilofungin (LY 121019) is a novel analogue of echinocandin B with potent activity against Candida albicans. The effects of cilofungin on the sterol and cell wall carbohydrate composition of Candida albicans were investigated. Exposure of Candida albicans to cilofungin resulted in a 55-60% decrease in ergosterol and a 4-13% decrease in lanosterol content relative to controls. Carbohydrate analysis revealed a 72-79% decrease in glucan content and no significant decrease in mannan or chitin content relative to controls. These studies suggest that cilofungin specifically inhibits glucan synthesis in Candida albicans and thus may be less toxic to mammalian cells. The effects of cilofungin on sterol composition may be non-specific and will require additional investigation.
Pfaller
M
M
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa.
Riley
J
J
Koerner
T
T
D002176:Candida albicans / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence / Q000187:drug effects; D002686:Chitin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D054714:Echinocandins; D004875:Ergosterol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D005936:Glucans / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D007810:Lanosterol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008351:Mannans / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic
D054714:Echinocandins; D005936:Glucans; D008351:Mannans; D010455:Peptides; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D002686:Chitin; D007810:Lanosterol; C042101:cilofungin; D004875:Ergosterol