Bacterial fatty-acid biosynthesis: a genomics-driven target for antibacterial drug discovery

In this review we demonstrate how the interplay of genomics, bioinformatics and genomic technologies has enabled an in-depth analysis of the component enzymes of the bacterial fatty-acid biosynthesis pathway as a source of novel antibacterial targets. This evaluation has revealed that many of the enzymes are potentially selective, broad-spectrum antibacterial targets. We also illustrate the suitability of some of these targets for HTS. Furthermore, we discuss how the availability of a robust selectivity assay, mode-of-action assays and numerous crystal structures provide an excellent set of tools with which to initiate integrated programs of research to identify novel antibiotics targeted at these enzymes.