Pharmacological
targeting of Ire1 of Candida albicans
Kumar Pritam
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(2); 157-163;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/202rjbt1570163; (2025)
Abstract
The common fungal pathogen Candida albicans primarily affects immunocompromised
individuals and the rise in antifungal resistance underscores the urgent need for
new treatment options. In this study, we investigate the potential of STF-83010,
a human Ire1 inhibitor, as a treatment for candidiasis. Our findings reveal that
STF-83010 effectively inhibits Hac1 splicing and increases susceptibility to DTT-induced
ER stress. Additionally, the inhibitor significantly reduces biofilm formation and
blocks the yeast-to-hyphal transition, two critical factors in C. albicans pathogenicity.
Further analysis indicates that STF-83010 impairs thermotolerance and reduces the
expression of virulence-related genes. Our findings suggest that STF-83010 can be
used as an antifungal treatment to target the UPR pathway in C. albicans.
