Fungal cell membrane ergosterol (Ergosterol)

Ergosterol is the primary sterol component of the fungal cell membrane, performing essential roles in maintaining membrane fluidity, integrity, and the activity of membrane-bound enzymes (Source: PubChem, CID 444679). It is functionally analogous to cholesterol in mammalian cells but possesses distinct structural features, such as additional double bonds and a methyl group on the side chain, which allow for selective drug targeting (Source: PubMed, PMID 29122464). These differences make it a highly effective target for antifungal therapy, particularly for the polyene class of drugs like amphotericin B and nystatin. When these drugs bind to ergosterol within the lipid bilayer, they aggregate to form transmembrane pores that allow the uncontrolled leakage of ions and small molecules, leading to rapid cell death. Beyond direct binding, the depletion of ergosterol through biosynthetic inhibition also compromises the fungal cell's ability to survive and replicate. Consequently, ergosterol remains a cornerstone in the treatment of systemic and superficial fungal infections, including candidiasis and aspergillosis (Source: NIH, 2022).

Other names

Ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-olProvitamin D2Fungal sterolErgosterin

Polyene antifungals bind directly to ergosterol within the fungal lipid bilayer, leading to the formation of transmembrane pores that cause the leakage of essential intracellular ions (such as potassium) and small molecules, resulting in fungal cell death (Source: StatPearls, 2023; Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2017).