Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.
Molecules. 2024 Sep 11;29(18):4314. doi: 10.3390/molecules29184314.
Enzymes are molecules that play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and balance in all living organisms by catalyzing metabolic and cellular processes. If an enzyme's mechanism of action is inhibited, the progression of certain diseases can be slowed or halted, making enzymes a key therapeutic target. Therefore, identifying or developing enzyme inhibitors is essential for treating significant diseases and ensuring plant defense against pathogens. This review aims to compile information on various types of enzyme inhibitors, particularly those that are well studied and beneficial in both human and plant contexts, by analyzing their mechanisms of action and the resulting benefits. Specifically, this review focuses on three different types of enzyme inhibitors that are most studied, recognized, and cited, each with distinct areas of action and potential benefits. For instance, serine enzyme inhibitors in plants help defend against pathogens, while the other two classes-alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors-have significant effects on human health. Furthermore, this review is also intended to assist other researchers by providing valuable insights into the biological effects of specific natural or synthetic inhibitors. Based on the current understanding of these enzyme inhibitors, which are among the most extensively studied in the scientific community, future research could explore their use in additional applications or the development of synthetic inhibitors derived from natural ones. Such inhibitors could aid in defending against pathogenic organisms, preventing the onset of diseases in humans, or even slowing the growth of certain pathogenic microorganisms. Notably, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have shown promising results in potentially replacing antibiotics, thereby addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
酶是一类分子，通过催化代谢和细胞过程，在所有生物体中维持内稳态和平衡方面发挥着关键作用。如果酶的作用机制被抑制，某些疾病的进展可以减缓或停止，使酶成为治疗的关键靶点。因此，鉴定或开发酶抑制剂对于治疗重大疾病和确保植物抵御病原体至关重要。本综述旨在通过分析其作用机制和由此产生的益处，汇总各种类型的酶抑制剂的信息，特别是那些在人类和植物背景下研究得很好且有益的抑制剂。具体来说，本综述重点介绍了三种最受研究、认可和引用的不同类型的酶抑制剂，每种抑制剂都有其独特的作用领域和潜在的益处。例如，植物中的丝氨酸酶抑制剂有助于抵御病原体，而另外两类——α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂和碳酸酐酶抑制剂——对人类健康有重大影响。此外，本综述还旨在为其他研究人员提供有价值的见解，了解特定天然或合成抑制剂的生物学效应，从而协助他们。基于对这些酶抑制剂的现有认识，它们是科学界研究最多的抑制剂之一，未来的研究可以探索它们在其他应用中的使用，或开发源自天然抑制剂的合成抑制剂。这些抑制剂可以帮助抵御致病生物体，预防人类疾病的发生，甚至减缓某些致病微生物的生长。值得注意的是，碳酸酐酶抑制剂在潜在地替代抗生素方面显示出了有希望的结果，从而解决了抗生素耐药性日益严重的问题。
