METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF INHIBITORS OF ALPHA-AMINOADIPATE REDUCTASE AND HOMOCITRATE SYNTHASE AS ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

The present inventors have discovered that .alpha.-Aminoadipate Reductase and Homocitrate Synthase are each essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of .alpha.-Aminoadipate Reductase or Homocitrate Synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, .alpha.-Aminoadipate Reductase or Homocitrate Synthase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit .alpha.-Aminoadipate Reductase or Homocitrate Synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.