METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING POLYCATIONIC, PEPTIDE-LIKE COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

摘要

A method is provided for identifying polycationic, peptide-like compounds characterized by antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria. The method takes advantage of the induction of hyperosomotic stress without leakage of cytoplasmic content. The method involves determining whether the compound has the ability to produce phospholipid exchange betwen the lipid bilayers in conjunction with the induction of the osmotic stress response in the target cell. Determining the induction of the osmotic stress response is effected using a bioluminescent detector organism having a osmY-LUX gene fusion.