Delta(24)-sterol C-methyltransferase (Erg6p) (ERG6)

Delta(24)-sterol C-methyltransferase, commonly referred to as Erg6p, is a vital enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway of fungi and some protozoa (UniProt: P25063). It catalyzes the methylation of the sterol side chain at the C-24 position using S-adenosyl-L-methionine as a methyl donor, a process that is notably absent in human cholesterol synthesis (PubMed: 12164315). Erg6p is predominantly localized to the surface of lipid droplets (also known as lipid particles) and the endoplasmic reticulum, where it contributes to the regulation of sterol composition and lipid storage (PubMed: 10366579). Due to its essential role in maintaining fungal membrane integrity and its absence in mammalian cells, Erg6p is considered a promising target for the development of narrow-spectrum antifungal therapies. Inhibition of this enzyme results in the depletion of ergosterol and the accumulation of methylated sterol intermediates, which alters membrane fluidity and permeability, ultimately leading to fungal growth arrest or cell death (PubMed: 15590586).

Other names

Sterol 24-C-methyltransferaseS-adenosyl-L-methionine:delta(24)-sterol C-methyltransferaseErg6pDelta(24)-methyltransferaseSMT124-SMT

Inhibition of the C-24 methylation of sterol precursors, preventing the synthesis of ergosterol and causing the accumulation of abnormal sterols that disrupt fungal membrane function (PubMed: 12164315).