Ergosterol
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol
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Identifiers | |
57-87-4 ![]() |
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ChEBI | CHEBI:16933 ![]() |
ChEMBL | ChEMBL1232562 ![]() |
ChemSpider | 392539 ![]() |
EC Number | 200-352-7 |
Jmol 3D model | Interactive image |
MeSH | Ergosterol |
PubChem | 444679 |
UNII | Z30RAY509F ![]() |
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Properties | |
C28H44O | |
Molar mass | 396.65 g/mol |
Melting point | 160 °C (320 °F; 433 K) |
Boiling point | 250 °C (482 °F; 523 K) |
Vapor pressure | {{{value}}} |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references | |
Ergosterol (ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol) is a sterol found in cell membranes of fungi and protozoa, serving many of the same functions that cholesterol serves in animal cells. Because many fungi and protozoa cannot survive without ergosterol, the enzymes that create it have become important targets for drug discovery. Ergosterol is a provitamin form of vitamin D2; exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes a chemical reaction that produces vitamin D2.
Contents
Role in fungi
Ergosterol (ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol) is a sterol found in fungi, and named for ergot, the common name of members of the fungal genus Claviceps from which ergosterol was first isolated. Ergosterol is a component of yeast and other fungal cell membranes, serving many of the same functions that cholesterol serves in animal cells.[1] Its specificity in higher fungi is thought to be related to the climatic instabilities (highly varying humidity and moisture conditions) encountered by these organisms in their typical ecological niches (plant and animal surfaces, soil). Thus, despite the added energy requirements of ergosterol synthesis (if compared to cholesterol), ergosterol is thought to have evolved as a nearly ubiquitous, evolutionarily advantageous fungal alternative to cholesterol.[2]
Target for antifungal drugs
Because ergosterol is present in cell membranes of fungi, yet absent in those of animals, it is a useful target for antifungal drugs.[3] Ergosterol is also present in the cell membranes of some protists, such as trypanosomes.[4] This is the basis for the use of some antifungals against West African sleeping sickness.
Amphotericin B, an antifungal drug, targets ergosterol. It binds physically to ergosterol within the membrane, thus creating a polar pore in fungal membranes. This causes ions (predominantly potassium and protons) and other molecules to leak out, which will kill the cell.[5] Amphotericin B has been replaced by safer agents in most circumstances, but is still used, despite its side effects, for life-threatening fungal or protozoan infections.
Miconazole, itraconazole, and clotrimazole work in a different way, inhibiting synthesis of ergosterol from lanosterol. Ergosterol is a smaller molecule than lanosterol; it is synthesized by combining two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate, a 15-carbon-long terpenoid, into lanosterol, which has 30 carbons. Then, two methyl groups are removed, making ergosterol. The "azole" class of antifungal agents inhibit the enzyme that performs these demethylation steps in the biosynthetic pathway between lanosterol and ergosterol.[citation needed]
Target for antiprotozoal drugs
Some protozoa, including Trichomonas and Leishmania are inhibited by drugs that target ergosterol synthesis and function[6]
As a vitamin D2 precursor
Ergosterol is a biological precursor of vitamin D2, the chemical name of which is ergocalciferol. Exposure to ultraviolet light causes a photochemical reaction that converts ergosterol to ergocalciferol.[7][8]
This happens naturally to a certain extent, and many mushrooms are irradiated after harvest to increase their Vitamin D content. Fungi are also grown industrially so that ergosterol can be extracted and converted to Vitamin D for sale as a dietary supplement and food additive.[8]
Preparations of irradiated ergosterol containing a mixture of previtamin and D vitamin were called Viosterol in the 1930s.[9]
Toxicity
Ergosterol powder is an irritant to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Ingestion of large amounts can cause hypercalcemia, which (if prolonged) can lead to calcium salt deposits in the soft tissues and, in particular, the kidneys.[10]
See also
References
- ↑ Weete JD, Abril M, Blackwell M. Phylogenetic distribution of fungal sterols. PLoS One. 2010 May 28;5(5):e10899. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010899. PMID 20526375
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Golan DE et al. Biochemistry of the Fungal Membrane and Cell Wall. Chapter 35 in Principles of Pharmacology. 3rd edition published by Wolters Kluwer
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Haytowitz, DB Vitamin D in Mushrooms
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Arnold Lippert Hirsch. Industrial Aspects of Vitamin D. Chapter 6 in Vitamin D: Two-Volume Set. Edited by David Feldman, J. Wesley Pike, John S. Adam. Academic Press, May 12, 2011 ISBN 978-0123819789
- ↑ Science Service (1930) Viosterol official name for irradiated ergosterol, J. Chem. Educ. 7(1) 166, DOI: 10.1021/ed007p166 Accessed 10 July 2014.
- ↑ Material Safety Data Sheet, Fisher Scientific
External links
- Safety (MSDS) data for ergosterol Oxford University (2005)