Demethylation inhibitor

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A demethylation inhibitor is a compound that blocks the removal of methyl groups. It blocks enzymes (demethylases) from removing methyl groups. Demethylation inhibitors are a subgroup of sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (steroidogenesis inhibitors). [1] They are used as antifungals and antiprotozoals agents. [2] [3] Demethylation inhibitors may commonly refer to fungicides that stop fungal growth by inhibiting sterol (ergosterol) production, vital for fungal cell membranes. [4] [5] Ergosterol is absent in animals but is an essential component of the cell membranes of many fungi and protozoa. [6] DNA demethylating agents are used in cancer therapy like 5-azacytidine to reactivate silenced genes by preventing DNA methylation.

See also

References

  1. Vanden Bossche, H. (1992). "Inhibitors of P450-dependent steroid biosynthesis: from research to medical treatment". J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 43 (8): 1003–21. doi:10.1016/0960-0760(92)90328-G. PMID   22217845. S2CID   5876596.
  2. "SBI Fungicides". Fungicides Resistance Action Group. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  3. Yang, Yongqing; Marcoft, Stephen J.; Forsyth, Leanne M.; Zhao, Ji; Li, Ziqin; Van de Wouw, Angela P.; Idnurm, Alexander (2020-03-22). "Sterol Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicide Resistance in Leptosphaeria maculans is Caused by Modifications in the Regulatory Region of ERG11". APS Online. APS. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-10-19-2088-RE . Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  4. Matheron, M. (2001). "Modes of action for plant disease management chemistries". University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  5. Quevedo-Caraballo, Sergio; Roldán, Alejandra; Álvarez-Pérez, Sergio (2024). "Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicides Have a Significantly Detrimental Impact on Population Growth and Composition of Nectar Microbial Communities". Microb Ecology. 87 (1). doi:10.1007/s00248-024-02477-x. PMC   11663151 . PMID   39708144.
  6. Wyenandt, Andy (2021-03-14). "Grower's Guide: Understanding the DMI fungicides (FRAC code 3) in 2022". Rutgers Cooperative Extension: Rutgers University. Retrieved 2026-01-16.