SCREENING METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING TARGET ANTIFUNGAL GENES AND COMPOUNDS BY DETECTING CELL SURFACE GLYCOPROTEINS

摘要

The present invention relates to an assay method that can be used for high-throughput detection of cell surface glycoproteins. Specifically, the secretion of a chimeric glycoprotein reporter signals disruption of GPI anchor-mediated attachment of the glycoprotein to the cell surface. This method provides a high signal-to-noise ratio and is particularly useful for screening compounds that affect GPl anchor biosynthesis. The method of the present invention thus permits genome-wide screens for genes that are needed for GPI anchor-mediated attachment of a glycoprotein to the surface of a cell as well as chemical inhibitors of proteins that promote GPl anchor-mediated attachment of a glycoprotein to the surface of a cell. Protein inhibitors identified by the present method could he useful in antifungal drug treatments as well.