Micafungin sodium (CAS 208538-73-2)

Micafungin sodium is an echinocandin antifungal agent used extensively in research to study the inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis. This compound specifically targets the enzyme β-1,3-D-glucan synthase, which is crucial for the synthesis of β-1,3-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. By inhibiting this enzyme, micafungin sodium disrupts the integrity and strength of the fungal cell wall, leading to osmotic instability and cell lysis. This mechanism of action makes micafungin sodium a valuable tool in studying fungal biology and the biochemistry of cell wall synthesis. In research, micafungin sodium is used to explore the molecular pathways involved in fungal growth and development, providing insights into the structure and function of fungal cell walls. It is also employed to investigate the adaptive responses of fungi to cell wall stress and the genetic and proteomic changes associated with antifungal resistance. Furthermore, micafungin sodium serves as a model compound in the development and testing of new antifungal agents, allowing researchers to understand the efficacy and mechanisms of action of potential candidates. Studies utilizing micafungin sodium have advanced our knowledge of fungal pathogenesis and contributed to the broader field of microbiology, particularly in understanding the dynamics of cell wall biosynthesis and the development of resistance mechanisms.