Microbial genomics - new targets, new drugs

Area of Science:

• Genomics and drug discovery
• Microbial genomics
• Antimicrobial research

Background:

• Genomics has transformed biological understanding and research tools over the past decade.
• Over 100 microbial genomes have been sequenced, advancing antimicrobial compound discovery into the post-genomic era.
• Genomic information and new technologies offer revolutionary potential for drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of genomics on antimicrobial drug discovery.
• To highlight the evolution of strategies for target validation in the post-genomic era.
• To discuss the potential of structure-based drug design in antimicrobial research.

Main Methods:

• Genomic sequencing of over 100 microbes.
• Development of strategies for antimicrobial target validation.
• Utilizing advances in X-ray crystallography for protein structure determination.

Main Results:

• Genomic methods have identified numerous potential antimicrobial targets.
• Strategies for target validation are being developed prior to inhibitor identification.
• Increased availability of protein structures facilitates structure-based drug design.

Conclusions:

• Genomics provides powerful new tools and targets for antimicrobial drug discovery.
• Post-genomic strategies are crucial for identifying novel antimicrobial compounds.
• Structure-based drug design is poised for increased application in antimicrobial research.
• These strategies may extend to small molecule drug discovery in other therapeutic areas.