Identification of essential genes in microorganisms

摘要

The sequences of antisense nucleic acids which inhibit the proliferation of prokaryotes are disclosed. Cell-based assays which employ the antisense nucleic acids to identify and develop antibiotics are also disclosed. The antisense nucleic acids can also be used to identify proteins required for proliferation, express these proteins or portions thereof, obtain antibodies capable of specifically binding to the expressed proteins, and to use those expressed proteins as a screen to isolate candidate molecules for rational drug discovery programs. The nucleic acids can also be used to screen for homologous nucleic acids that are required for proliferation in cells other than Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nucleic acids of the present invention can also be used in various assay systems to screen for proliferation required genes in other organisms.