Methods for the identification of inhibitors of acetolactate synthase as antibiotics

摘要

The present inventors have discovered that ALS catalytic and regulatory subunits are essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of either ALS catalytic or regulatory subunit gene expression in fungi severely reduces growth and pathogenicity. Thus, ALS catalytic and regulatory subunits are useful as targets for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit ALS catalytic or regulatory subunit expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.