Methods for the identification of inhibitors of 3-isopropylmalate dehydratase as antibiotics

摘要

The present inventors have discovered that 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit 3-Isopropylmalate dehydratase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.