MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF AZOLE RESISTANCE IN FUNGI

This paper reviews the current status of our understanding of azole an tifungal resistance mechanisms at the molecular level and explores the ir implications. Extensive biochemical studies have highlighted a sign ificant diversity in mechanisms conferring resistance to azoles, which include alterations in sterol biosynthesis, target site, uptake and e fflux. In stark contrast, few examples document the molecular basis of azole resistance. Those that do refer almost exclusively to mechanism s in laboratory mutants, with the exception of the role of multi-drug resistance proteins in clinical isolates of Candida albicans. It is cl ear that the technologies required to examine and define azole resista nce mechanisms at the molecular level exist, but research appears dist inctly lacking in this most important area.