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

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase gene expression in fungi results in drastically reduced pathogenicity. Thus, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 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 pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase 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 &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Putrescine Aminopropyltransferase (SPE3) is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of Putrescine Aminopropyltransferase gene expression in fungi results in reduced pathogenicity on their host organism, producing smaller lesions that fail to spread across a leaf surface. Thus, Putrescine Aminopropyltransferase 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 Putrescine Aminopropyltransferase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (“SPE2”) is essential for normal fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase gene expression in fungi results in greatly reduced pathogenicity. Thus, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase is useful as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

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.

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

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.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase 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 &agr;-Aminoadipate Reductase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.