EU researchers launch new attack on fungal pathogens
Scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the US have identified a new chemical compound that attacks hard-to-treat fungal infections.
Scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the US have identified a new chemical compound that attacks hard-to-treat fungal infections.
Dubbed AN2690, it blocks the development of an enzyme that is crucial for the fungi to synthesise protein. The blocked enzyme is called leucyl-tRNA synthetase, which is involved in translation, a final step of turning a gene's DNA code into a protein.
This system has treated common chronic nail infections caused by fungi, and the researchers think it could inspire the development of related antibacterial compounds. "It has been very successful in clinical trials," said Dickon Alley, of project partner Anacor Pharmaceuticals.