Methods for the identification of inhibitors of homocitrate synthase as antibiotics

US6632631B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Paradigm Genetics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey Shuster · Davis, US
• Matthew Tanzer · Durham, US
• Lisbeth Hamer · Durham, US
• Kiichi Adachi · Osaka, JP
• Todd DeZwaan · Apex, US
• Sze-Chung Lo · Durham, US
• Maria Montenegro-Chamorro · Morrisville, US
• Blaise Darveaux · Hillsborough, US
• Sheryl Frank · Durham, US
• Ryan Heiniger · Raleigh, US
• Sanjoy Mahanty · Chapel Hill, US
• Huaqin Pan · Apex, US
• Amy Skalchunes · Raleigh, US
• Rex Tarpey · Apex, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 9, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 14, 2003
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Y102/01031
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present inventors have discovered that homocitrate synthase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of homocitrate synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, homocitrate synthase 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 homocitrate synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.