The Sound of Evolution
Naftifine
Mechanism of action:
Naftifine is an allylamine derivative. Naftifine inhibits squalene epoxidase, an enzyme involved in fungal cell membrane synthesis. This enzyme is responsible for converting squalene into 2,3-epoxysqualene, an early step in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. By inhibiting squalene epoxidase, naftifine reduces downstream ergosterol production, causing the fungal cell membrane to become structurally defective. In addition, squalene continuously accumulates because it can no longer be converted into 2,3-epoxysqualene, leading to toxicity that ultimately suppresses fungal growth and may cause cellular damage.
Reference(s):
1. Chen X et al. (2002). TTD: Therapeutic Target Database. Nucleic Acids Res.
2. Favre B et al. (1996). Characterization of squalene epoxidase activity from the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum and its inhibition by terbinafine and other antimycotic agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.