Antifungal activity of chalcones: a mechanistic study using various yeast strains

Eur J Med Chem. 2008 Oct;43(10):2220-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2007.12.027. Epub 2008 Jan 12.

Abstract

We reported the synthesis, antifungal evaluation and study on substituent effects of 21 chalcones. A lot of genetically defined strains belonging to different yeast genera and species, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hansenula polymorpha and Kluyveromyces lactis, were used as test organisms. Concerning the mode of the antifungal action of chalcones it was shown that DNA was probably not the main target for the chalcones. It was revealed that the yeast's intracellular glutathione and cysteine molecules play significant role as defence barrier against the chalcone action. It was also shown that chalcones may react with some proteins involved in cell separation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chalcones / chemical synthesis
  • Chalcones / chemistry
  • Chalcones / pharmacology*
  • Chromosomes, Fungal / genetics
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mutation
  • Ploidies
  • Yeasts / classification
  • Yeasts / cytology
  • Yeasts / drug effects*
  • Yeasts / genetics

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Chalcones