Catabolite repression control (Crc) gene and Pseudomonas virulence

Abstract

A method of screening for compounds that inhibit the virulence of Pseudomonas bacteria comprises the steps of: providing a culture medium comprising Pseudomonas bacteria; administering a test compound to said bacteria; and then detecting the presence or absence of inhibition of the catabolite repression control (Crc) protein in said bacteria, the inhibition of the Crc protein indicating said compound has antivirulence activity against Pseudomonas bacteria. Antivirulence compounds and the use thereof in treating Pseudomonas infections are also disclosed.

1 - 9 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         10 . An antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits expression of a catabolite repressor control (Crc) protein in a  Pseudomonas  bacteria, wherein said antisense oligonucleotide comprises from 8 to 80 nucleotides and is nuclease resistant.  
     
     
         11 . The antisense oligonucleotide according to  claim 10  in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         12 . A method of inhibiting the virulence of  Pseudomonas  bacteria, comprising administering to  Pseudomonas  bacteria an antisense oligonucleotide according to  claim 10  in an effective antivirulence amount.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein said administering step is carried out in vitro.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein said administering step is carried out in vivo.  
     
     
         15 . A method of treating  Pseudomonas  infection in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject an antisense oligonucleotide according to  claim 10  in an amount effective to treat said  Pseudomonas  infection.