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.; 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.