The Sound of Evolution
Fluconazole
Mechanism of action:
Fluconazole is a triazole derivative. Fluconazole inhibits fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), the enzyme responsible for converting lanosterol into ergosterol. When this step is blocked, the structure of the fungal cell membrane becomes incomplete, and lanosterol accumulates because it can no longer be converted, causing toxicity and ultimately suppressing fungal growth or leading to fungal death.
Reference(s):
1. Bongomin F et al. (2018). A systematic review of fluconazole resistance in clinical isolates of Cryptococcus species. Mycoses.
2. Hollier LM et al. (1995). Fluconazole (Diflucan). Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol.
3. Allen D et al. (2015). Azole antifungals: 35 years of invasive fungal infection management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther.