title: Fatty acid biosynthesis as a target for novel antibacterials.
abstract: The bacterial fatty acid synthesis pathway has significant potential as a target for the development of novel antibacterials. The pathway has been extensively studied in Escherichia coli, the crystal structures of the compounds involved are known and homologous genes are readily identified in the genomes of important pathogens. The currently used drugs triclosan and isoniazid are known to target one step in the pathway. Other experimental compounds such as thiolactomycin and cerulenin effectively inhibit other steps. These known pathway inhibitors are reviewed and the areas for potential future developments are explored.
authors.affiliation: Protein Science Division, Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. Richard.Heath@stjude.org
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Heath
authors.forename: Charles O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Rock
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D005227:Fatty Acids