The sequences of nucleic acids encoding proteins required for E. coli
proliferation are disclosed. The nucleic acids can be used to express
proteins or portions thereof, to obtain antibodies capable of specifically
binding to the expressed proteins, and to use those expressed proteins as
a screen to isolate candidate molecules for rational drug discovery
programs. The nucleic acids can also be used to screen for homologous
genes that are required for proliferation in microorganisms other than E.
coli. The nucleic acids can also be used to design expression vectors and
secretion vectors. The nucleic acids of the present invention can also be
used in various assay systems to screen for proliferation required genes
in other organisms as well as to screen for antimicrobial agents.
