Skin fungi (N/A)

Skin fungi refers to a diverse group of microorganisms, including dermatophytes (such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton), yeasts (such as Candida and Malassezia), and molds that colonize or infect the human skin, hair, and nails (StatPearls, 2023). These organisms are clinically significant due to their ability to invade keratinized tissues, causing infections such as tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and candidiasis (NIH, 2022). While not a single molecular target, they are the focus of antifungal therapy, which aims to disrupt essential fungal processes such as ergosterol biosynthesis or cell wall construction (PubMed, 2021). Common clinical manifestations include athlete's foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Effective management involves topical or systemic antifungal drugs, though rising resistance and potential systemic side effects like hepatotoxicity remain significant therapeutic challenges (Journal of Fungi, 2022). The primary molecular targets within these fungi include squalene epoxidase, targeted by allylamines, and lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, targeted by azoles. Disruption of these enzymes leads to the depletion of ergosterol, a critical component of the fungal cell membrane, resulting in increased membrane permeability and cell death. Additionally, some agents target the fungal cell wall by inhibiting 1,3-beta-glucan synthase.

Other names

DermatophytesCutaneous fungiSkin mycobiotaKeratinophilic fungiTinea pathogens

Antifungal agents typically target the fungal cell membrane or cell wall. Azoles inhibit lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), preventing the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. Allylamines like terbinafine inhibit squalene epoxidase, leading to squalene accumulation and ergosterol deficiency. Echinocandins inhibit 1,3-beta-glucan synthase, disrupting the structural integrity of the fungal cell wall.