Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the identification of genes or functional fragments thereof from Candida albicans which are critical for growth and cell division and which genes may be used as selective drug targets to treat Candida albicans associated infections. Novel nucleic acid sequences from Candida albicans are also provided and which encode the polypeptides which are critical for growth of Candida albicans. Methods for the identification of anti-fungal compounds which inhibit fungal or yeast growth are also contemplated.

Abstract: The use of nucleic acids and polypeptides which are involved in a pathway eventually leading to programmed cell death of yeast or fungi for the preparation of a medicament for treating diseases associated with yeast or fungi or for the treatment of prolifeative disorders or for preventing apoptosis in certain diseases is disclosed. Methods are provided to identify compounds which selectively modulate the expression or functionality of said polypeptides in the same or a parallel pathway. Also provided are compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and vaccines. New nucleic acid sequences, probes and primers derived thereof, expression vectors and host cells transformed with said vectors, polypeptides and antibodies raised against said polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of nucleic acids and polypeptides which are involved in a pathway eventually leading to programmed cell death of yeast or fungi for the preparation of a medicament for treating diseases associated with yeast or fungi or for the treatment of prolifeative disorders or for preventing apoptosis in certain diseases. Methods are provided to identify compounds which selectively modulate the expression or functionality of said polypeptides in the same or a parallel pathway. Also provided are compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and vaccines. The invention also comprises new nucleic acid sequences, probes and primers derived thereof, expression vectors and host cells transformed with said vectors, polypeptides and antibodies raised against said polypeptides.