Differential patterns of brain activation between obsessive-compulsive and hoarding disorders during motor inhibition and cognitive flexibility

Abstract

Farnesol, a sesquiterpenoid alcohol, is elaborated by various bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. It is a component of many perfumes and possesses a distinct aroma. Farnesol is an intermediate of the fungal sterol biosynthetic pathway and is involved in various physiological roles in Candida albicans. Farnesol has the ability to inhibit the growth of some fungi and bacteria. It is one of the quorum-sensing molecules produced by C. albicans. It inhibits the transformation of yeast to hyphae, and inhibits adhesion and favors release of cells from biofilms. Quorum sensing and signaling molecules like farnesol and tyrosol regulate virulence traits in C. albicans, like morphogenetic transformation and biofilm formation. Biofilms are tolerant to antibiotics as well as host defenses. It is necessary to develop novel antifungal agents that can specifically inhibit biofilms and are free from side effects. Interfering with quorum sensing and signaling may be an attractive strategy for antifungal drug development. Farnesol could be used as a scaffold for the development of novel molecules. Biocompatibility of medical implants treated with antibiofilm agents is an important issue. Some scientists observe that interfering with QS may release yeast cells from biofilms and may result in the spread of the yeast cells. The promises and challenges of quorum-sensing molecules in drug development are discussed in this book chapter.