top of page
The Sound of Evolution
Econazole
Mechanism of action:
Econazole is an imidazole derivative. It inhibits fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1), the enzyme responsible for converting lanosterol into ergosterol. When this step is blocked, the fungal cell membrane becomes structurally compromised, while lanosterol accumulates because it can no longer be converted, leading to toxicity. As a result, fungal growth is suppressed or the fungus dies.
Reference(s):
1. Warrilow AG et al. (2010). Azole binding properties of Candida albicans sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CaCYP51). Antimicrob Agents Chemother.
2. Strushkevich N et al. (2010). Structural basis of human CYP51 inhibition by antifungal azoles. J Mol Biol.
bottom of page