In Silico Systems Biology Approaches for the Identification of Antimicrobial Targets

Year prepared: 2013

Classical antibiotic discovery efforts have relied mainly on molecular library screening coupled with target-based lead optimization. The conventional approaches are unable to tackle the emergence of antibiotic resistance and are failing to provide understanding of multiple mechanisms behind drug actions and the off-target effects. These insufficiencies have prompted researchers to focus on a multidisciplinary approach of systems biology-based antibiotic discovery. Systems biology is capable of providing a big-picture view for therapeutic targets through interconnected networks of biochemical reactions derived from both experimental and computational techniques. In this chapter, we have compiled software tools and databases that are typically used for target identification through in silico analyses. We have also identified enzyme- and broad-spectrum metabolite-based drug targets that have emerged through in silico systems microbiology.

Laboratory Protocols

Select from:Additional methods & referenceAflatoxinsAssaying antifungal levelsAssaying mycotoxinsAztec Labs Diagnostic testing ProtocolsBiochemical CalculatorsBiofilmBiotypingCell Component ExtractionClinical BreakpointsCollection of Clinical MaterialCosmidsDetection in clinical samplesDNA extractionEnzyme synthesisFungal Molecular BiologyGeneral Molecular BiologyGeneticsGrowth and StorageHistologyMethods for DNA sequencingMicroscopyModel systems: in vitroModel systems: in vivoMore protocol collectionsPCR  -RT-qPCRPhagocytosisPlanar liquid chromatographyPost Antifungal Effects (PAFE)Preparation of amphotericin pasteProtein methodsProtocol overviewsQuality control in mycologySampling Aspergillus sporesSecondary metabolitesSpecies/Strain identification  -In situ hydridizationStandard Operating Procedures:National Aspergillosis CentreSusceptibility testingVeterinaryVideo Protocols at the FGSCWhole blood fractionationwhole-cell screening