METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF INHIBITORS OF ASPARAGINE SYNTHASE, 5-AMINOLEVULINATE SYNTHASE, HISTIDINOL-PHOSPHATASE, 3-ISOPROPYLMALATE AND THREONINE SYNTHASE AS ANTIBIOTICS

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 infectio n or lesion. Thus, Asparagine Synthase, 5-Aminolevulinate synthase, histidinol - phosphatase, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase and Threonine synthase can be use d 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.