A first-in-class inhibitor of Hsp110 molecular chaperones of pathogenic fungi

Nat Commun. 2023 May 12;14(1):2745. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-38220-2.

Abstract

Proteins of the Hsp110 family are molecular chaperones that play important roles in protein homeostasis in eukaryotes. The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, which causes infections in humans, has a single Hsp110, termed Msi3. Here, we provide proof-of-principle evidence supporting fungal Hsp110s as targets for the development of new antifungal drugs. We identify a pyrazolo[3,4-b] pyridine derivative, termed HLQ2H (or 2H), that inhibits the biochemical and chaperone activities of Msi3, as well as the growth and viability of C. albicans. Moreover, the fungicidal activity of 2H correlates with its inhibition of in vivo protein folding. We propose 2H and related compounds as promising leads for development of new antifungals and as pharmacological tools for the study of the molecular mechanisms and functions of Hsp110s.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Candida albicans*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Protein Folding

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Molecular Chaperones