Chapter 12. Bacterial Genomics and the Search for Novel Antibiotics

Abstract

Publisher Summary Recent advances in rapid gene cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based gene amplification and DNA sequencing technologies, along with associated sophisticated analysis software, have made bacterial genome sequencing both practical and efficient. At present, more than 20 bacterial genomes have been either fully or partially sequenced. Genomic sequencing enables the uncovering of previously unidentified genes and their corresponding proteins. To a first approximation, proteins found to be essential for the survival of the bacterial cell can be considered as potential targets. Whole genome sequencing is anticipated to accelerate the identification of new targets for the discovery of new anti-bacterial agents. In addition, bacterial genomics is expected to uncover unique or common sequences that can be used in diagnostic applications: in particular, the rapid speciation of organisms that are difficult to cultivate and the rapid determination of drug resistance profiles. Vaccine applications, arising from genome initiatives, are presently being discussed in the chapter. This chapter explains very little reported information on the identification of such novel targets for anti-bacterial drug discovery. Following a brief overview of what is known till date from the bacterial genomic sequencing efforts, the chapter discusses how the bacterial genome initiative is being conducted and how the information is generated and used.