The sequences of nucleic acids encoding proteins required for E. coli
proliferation are disclosed. 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 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 of the present
invention can also be used in various assay systems to screen for
antimicrobial agents.
