METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF INHIBITORS OF ARGININOSUCCINATE SYNTHASE EXPRESSION OR ACTIVITY IN PLANTS

摘要

The present inventors have discovered that Argininosuccinate synthase AS is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of AS gene expression in plant seedlings results in severe chlorosis and reduced growth. Thus, AS can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit AS expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with an AS and detecting the presence or absence of binding between said compound and said AS, or detecting a change in AS expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides. Figure 1 shows the argininosuccinate synthase reaction.