Methods for the identification of inhibitors of histidinol dehydrogenase as antibiotics

摘要

The present inventors have discovered that a histidinol dehydrogenase (HIS4) is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity, Specifically, the inhibition of HIS4 gene expression in Magnaportha grisea severely reduces the pathogenicity of the fungus. Thus, HIS4 is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit HIS4 expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably fungicides.