Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial genes and proteins that are implicated in the process of DNA replication and also to bacteriophage genes and their protein products that interact with bacterial proteins involved in DNA replication. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods involving an essential Staphylococcus aureus gene and its encoded protein STAAU_R9. In addition, the invention relates to screening assays to identify compounds which modulate the level and/or activity of STAAU_R9 and to such compounds.

Abstract: A method for identifying suitable targets for antibacterial agents based on identifying targets of bacteriophage-encoded proteins is described. Also described are compositions useful in the identification methods and in inhibiting bacterial growth, and methods for preparing and using such compositions.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns particular bacteriophage open reading frame, and portions and products of those open reading frames which have antimicrobial activity. Methods of using such products are also described.

Abstract: A method for identifying suitable targets for antibacterial agents based on identifying targets of bacteriophage-encoded proteins is described. Also described are compositions useful in the identification methods and in inhibiting bacterial growth, and methods for preparing and using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses inhibitors of the primary sigma factor in Staphylococcus aureus (&sgr;SA), an essential protein implicated in RNA synthesis. The invention also discloses methods for inhibiting bacterial growth by contacting a bacterium with an antibacterial compound that specifically binds to a bacteriophage polypeptide binding domain of the Staphylococcus aureus primary sigma factor. Examples of inhibitors include bacteriophage polypeptides inhibiting growth of S. aureus and bacteriophage polypeptides binding specifically to S. aureus primary sigma factor. In addition, the invention discloses screening methods for identifying compounds which inhibit biochemical and/or cellular activity of S. aureus primary sigma factor.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides and polypeptides, and their production and uses, as well as their variants, agonists and antagonists, and their uses. In particular, the invention relates to specific interaction between the S. aureus STAAU_R2 related protein or specific regions thereof, and growth-inhibitory proteins encoded by the S. aureus bacteriophage genome. The invention relates to the use of these interaction target sites as the basis of drug screening assays.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns particular bacteriophage open reading frames, and portions and products of those open reading frames which have antimicrobial activity. Methods of using such products are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns particular bacteriophage open reading frame, and portions and products of those open reading frames which have antimicrobial activity Also disclosed is an S. aureus protein that interacts with an inhibitory phage protein. Methods of using such products are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns particular bacteriophage open reading frames, and portions and products of those open reading frames which have antimicrobial activity. Methods of using such products are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial genes and proteins that are implicated in the process of DNA replication and also to bacteriophage genes and their protein products that interact with bacterial proteins involved in DNA replication. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods involving an essential Staphylococcus aureus gene and its encoded protein STAAU_R9. In addition, the invention relates to screening assays to identify compounds which modulate the level and/or activity of STAAU_R9 and to such compounds.