Molecular basis of enfumafungin inhibition and resistance in Candida glabrata β-1,3-Glucan synthase FKS1

Abstract

{beta}-1,3-Glucan synthase FKS1 is essential for fungal cell wall biogenesis and serves as a validated target of widely prescribed antifungal drugs. However, the molecular mechanism of pathogenic FKS1, its modes of inhibition, and the associated resistance mechanisms remain elusive, hindering the antifungal development. Here, we focus on Candida glabrata FKS1, a clinically relevant target frequently linked to antifungal resistance. We present cryo-EM structures of C. glabrata FKS1 in multiple detergent environments and in complex with the triterpenoid antifungal enfumafungin. Integrated functional studies revealed a key catalytic residue within the conserved ED motif and uncovered structural adaptations to different membrane-mimetic environments, rationalizing FKS1s sensitivity to its surrounding membrane context. Enfumafungin binds at the extracellular membrane leaflet of cgFKS1 transmembrane domain, engaging a convex surface separated from the cytosolic active site, consistent with its role as a non-competitive inhibitor. Further analyses identified key enfumafungin-binding residues from TM5-TM6 and elucidated the molecular basis of drug resistance in C. glabrata. Collectively, these findings establish a mechanistic framework for pathogenic FKS1 function and inhibition and provide a molecular basis for the rational design of next-generation antifungal therapeutics.