Methods for the identification of inhibitors of 5-aminolevulinate synthase as antibiotics

US6689578B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Paradigm Genetics, Inc. · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 6, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 6, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/18
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present inventors have discovered that 5-Aminolevulinate synthase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of 5-Aminolevulinate synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, 5-Aminolevulinate 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 5-Aminolevulinate synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.