Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1’s function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.

真菌感染是对人类健康的重大威胁。抗真菌药物的供应有限、耐药性的出现以及不断增长的易感人群凸显了对新型抗真菌药物的迫切需求。参与真菌细胞壁合成的酶为抗真菌药物的开发提供了潜在的靶标。最近的研究增强了我们对 Fks1 酶的关注，该酶合成细胞壁的关键成分 β-1,3-葡聚糖。这些研究提供了对 Fks1 在细胞壁生物合成、致病性、结构生物学、真菌进化保守以及与当前抗真菌药物相互作用中的功能的更深入的了解。在这里，我们以进化和结构分析的见解为指导，讨论 Fks1 在真菌生存和适应中的作用。此外，我们深入研究了 Fks1 通过新型抗真菌策略调节的动态，并评估了其作为抗真菌药物靶点的潜力。