Essential genes of yeast as targets for antifungal agents, herbicides, insecticides and anti-proliferation drugs

摘要

The present invention relates to methods of identifying genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae which are essential for germination and proliferation of S. cerevisiae and using the identified genes or their encoded proteins as targets for highly specific antifungal agents, insecticides, herbicides and anti-proliferation drugs. The present invention also provides a method to systematically analyze the S. cerevisiae genome to identify essential genes for use as targets for antifungal agents, insecticides, herbicides and anti-proliferation drugs. The present invention provides antisense molecules and ribozymes comprising sequences complementary to the sequences of mRNAs of essential genes that function to inhibit the essential genes. The present invention also provides neutralizing antibodies to proteins encoded by essential genes that bind to and inactivate the essential gene products.