About the structure and biological function of Erg
Structure. Ergosterol (Erg) is a type of sterol lipid. Similar to cholesterol, the structure of ergosterol consists of four linked hydrocarbon rings, the steroid structure. A hydrocarbon tail is linked to one end of the steroid, a hydroxyl group linked to the other end.
Ergosterol is the major sterol lipid in fungi and also some unicellular eukaryotes. On a subcellular level, it is enriched in the cell membrane.
Function. Ergosterol serves an important structural role in the cell membrane of fungi and also forms lipid rafts – similar to cholesterol in animal cells. Under conditions of stress, the sterol concentration of the cell membrane can change rapidly. It also has multiple functions in growth regulation and is a precursor to vitamin D2. Further, a range of antifungal drugs targets ergosterol by either binding to it in the cell membrane to cause cellular leakage, or by preventing ergosterol synthesis.
