1,3-Beta-glucan synthase is a glucosyltransferaseenzyme involved in the generation of beta-glucan in fungi. It serves as a pharmacological target for antifungal drugs such as caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin, deemed 1,3-Beta-glucan synthase inhibitors. Under the CAZy classification system, fungi and plant members fall in the glycosyltransferase 48 family (GT48).[1] Some members of the glycosyltransferase 2 family (PfamPF13632), such as the curdlan synthase CrdS (Q9X2V0), also has a similar activity.[2]
The family consists of various 1,3-beta-glucan synthase components including Gls1, Gls2, and Gls3 from yeast. 1,3-Beta-glucan synthase (EC2.4.1.34.) also known as callose synthase catalyses the formation of a beta-1,3-glucan polymer that is a major component of the fungalcell wall.[3] The reaction catalysed is: