Micafungin

Micafungin is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections. It belongs to the echinocandin class of drugs, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of beta-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. By disrupting the integrity of the cell wall, micafungin ultimately leads to the death of the fungus.

Designed for biological research and industrial applications, not intended for individual clinical or medical purposes.

CAT No: R2243

CAS No:235114-32-6

Chemical Name:[5-[(1S,2S)-2-[(3S,6S,9S,11R,15S,18S,20R,21R,24S,25S,26S)-3-[(1R)-3-amino-1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl]-11,20,21,25-tetrahydroxy-15-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-26-methyl-2,5,8,14,17,23-hexaoxo-18-[[4-[5-(4-pentoxyphenyl)-1,2-oxazol-3-yl]benzoyl]amino]-1,4,7,13,16,22-hexazatricyclo[22.3.0.09,13]heptacosan-6-yl]-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-2-hydroxyphenyl] hydrogen sulfate

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M.F/Formula
C56H71N9O23S
M.W/Mr.
1270.27

Micafungin is a semisynthetic echinocandin compound classified as a non-peptide cyclic lipopeptide antifungal agent, notable for its potent inhibition of β-1,3-D-glucan synthase. As a member of the echinocandin family, it is structurally distinct from traditional antifungals and is characterized by its large cyclic hexapeptide core linked to a long lipophilic side chain. Its primary biochemical significance lies in its ability to disrupt fungal cell wall biosynthesis, making it a valuable tool for investigating cell wall integrity and function in various fungal species. The compound's unique mechanism of action and selective activity have made it a subject of extensive research in the fields of fungal biology, antifungal resistance, and cell wall enzymology.

Antifungal mechanism research: Micafungin serves as a critical probe for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal cell wall biosynthesis. By specifically targeting and inhibiting β-1,3-D-glucan synthase, it allows researchers to explore the enzymatic pathways responsible for glucan polymerization and the structural maintenance of the fungal cell wall. Studies utilizing this agent can elucidate the consequences of cell wall disruption at both the molecular and cellular levels, providing insight into essential processes such as osmotic stability, morphogenesis, and fungal viability.

Fungal resistance studies: The compound is widely employed in laboratory investigations focused on the emergence and characterization of antifungal resistance. Researchers use it to induce selective pressure in fungal populations, facilitating the identification of genetic mutations, regulatory changes, or adaptive responses that confer reduced susceptibility. These studies are instrumental in mapping resistance mechanisms, understanding cross-resistance with other echinocandins, and evaluating the evolutionary dynamics of clinically relevant fungal pathogens.

Cell wall biosynthesis assays: Due to its specificity for β-1,3-D-glucan synthase, micafungin is an indispensable reagent in biochemical assays designed to measure glucan synthase activity. In vitro and cell-based experimental systems employ the compound to validate assay specificity, quantify enzyme inhibition, and assess the impact of genetic or chemical perturbations on cell wall biosynthesis. Such applications are essential for the development and benchmarking of new antifungal agents or modulators of cell wall integrity.

Fungal cell biology and morphogenesis: Beyond its role as an inhibitor, micafungin enables detailed studies of fungal cell structure and morphogenesis. Researchers utilize it to induce controlled cell wall stress, observe compensatory mechanisms, and analyze the downstream effects on cell division, hyphal extension, and septation. These investigations contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between cell wall assembly, cytoskeletal organization, and morphogenetic signaling pathways in diverse fungal species.

Antifungal compound screening: In the context of antifungal drug discovery and development, micafungin is frequently used as a reference standard or positive control in high-throughput screening platforms. Its well-characterized mode of action and robust inhibitory profile make it an ideal comparator for evaluating the potency, selectivity, and spectrum of new investigational compounds targeting fungal cell wall synthesis. This application is fundamental for prioritizing lead candidates and refining structure-activity relationships in the search for next-generation antifungal agents.

InChI
InChI=1S/C56H71N9O23S/c1-4-5-6-17-86-32-14-11-28(12-15-32)39-21-33(63-87-39)27-7-9-29(10-8-27)49(75)58-34-20-38(70)52(78)62-54(80)45-46(72)25(2)23-65(45)56(82)43(37(69)22-41(57)71)60-53(79)44(48(74)47(73)30-13-16-36(68)40(18-30)88-89(83,84)85)61-51(77)35-19-31(67)24-64(35)55(81)42(26(3)66)59-50(34)76/h7-16,18,21,25-26,31,34-35,37-38,42-48,52,66-70,72-74,78H,4-6,17,19-20,22-24H2,1-3H3,(H2,57,71)(H,58,75)(H,59,76)(H,60,79)(H,61,77)(H,62,80)(H,83,84,85)/t25-,26+,31+,34-,35-,37+,38+,42-,43-,44-,45-,46-,47-,48-,52+/m0/s1
InChI Key
PIEUQSKUWLMALL-YABMTYFHSA-N
Canonical SMILES
CCCCCOC1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC(=NO2)C3=CC=C(C=C3)C(=O)NC4CC(C(NC(=O)C5C(C(CN5C(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C6CC(CN6C(=O)C(NC4=O)C(C)O)O)C(C(C7=CC(=C(C=C7)O)OS(=O)(=O)O)O)O)C(CC(=O)N)O)C)O)O)O
Isomeric SMILES
CCCCCOC1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC(=NO2)C3=CC=C(C=C3)C(=O)N[C@H]4C[C@H]([C@H](NC(=O)[C@@H]5[C@H]([C@H](CN5C(=O)[C@@H](NC(=O)[C@@H](NC(=O)[C@@H]6C[C@H](CN6C(=O)[C@@H](NC4=O)[C@@H](C)O)O)[C@@H]([C@H](C7=CC(=C(C=C7)O)OS(=O)(=O)O)O)O)[C@@H](CC(=O)N)O)C)O)O)O

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