IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL GENES OF ASPEGILLUS FUMIGATUS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

The present invention provides nucleotide sequences, methods and composition s that enable the experimental determination as to whether any gene in the genome of Aspergillus fumigatus is essential, and whether that gene is required for virulence or pathogenicity. The methods involve the constructio n of genetic mutants in which a target gene is placed under conditional expression. The identification of essential genes and those genes critical t o the development of virulent infections, provides a basis for the development of screens for new drugs against Aspergillus fumigatus. The present inventio n further provides Aspergillus fumigatus genes that are essential and are potential targets for drug screening. The nucleotide sequence of the target genes can be used for various drug discovery purposes, such as expression of the recombinant protein, hybridization assay and construction of nucleic aci d arrays. The uses of proteins encoded by the essential genes, and genetically engineered cells comprising modified alleles of essential genes in various screening methods are also encompassed by the invention.