Natural products and antifungal drug discovery.
The need for new antifungal agents continues, fueled by opportunistic infections in immune-compromised patients and by the development of resistance to existing agents. Natural products offer a virtually unlimited source of unique molecules and not only serve as a reservoir for new potential drugs and drug prototypes, but also for probes of fungal biology. In this chapter, whole-cell screening methods targeted for natural products are illustrated, including general microplate-based screening, bioautography, and mode of action studies, including the use of genetically altered fungal strains now available commercially.
Jacob
Melissa R
MR
National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, USA.
Walker
Larry A
LA
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D010936:Plant Extracts