| abstract |
The present inventors have discovered that Asparagine Synthase, 5-Aminolevulinate synthase, histidinol-phosphatase, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase and Threonine synthase are essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of Asparagine Synthase, 5-Aminolevulinate synthase, histidinol-phosphatase, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase or Threonine synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesion. Thus, Asparagine Synthase, 5-Aminolevulinate synthase, histidinol-phosphatase, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase and Threonine synthase can be used as targets for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present inventio provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit Asparagine Synthase, 5-Aminolevulinate synthase, histidinol-hosphatase, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase or Threonine synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. |