Our bacteriology group can provide a comprehensive array of services to facilitate antimicrobial drug discovery either at the basic research or early development phases. These services can range from growth inhibition testing of new leads or chemical series to more elaborate biochemical, mode-of-action and molecular genetic studies. We can provide a full range of specialty molecular genetic services such as tool strain construction (genomic engineering), genetic essentiality testing and resistance profiling in conventional as well as category-A pathogens.
We can configure CLSI standardized broth-based microdilution assays for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antimicrobial compounds. Specialized studies are also available for the determination of bacteriocidal versus bacteriostatic mode-of-action and therapeutic efficacy in vivo using standard animal models of infection.
Determining the MOA of new antimicrobial compounds is critical for late stage development and subsequent regulatory approval. Standard biochemical assays are available that can place your inhibitor's MOA into defined metabolic pathways. In addition, spontaneous and targeted mutagenesis techniques are available for recovering genetic loci corresponding to new drug targets.
A wide variety of microbial genetic tools are available for testing the genetic essentiality of target loci (loss-of-function being coincident with loss-of-viability). This service can provide a reasonable validation of a particular gene product as a target for antimicrobial intervention. We also can configure a wide range of genomic engineering mutant evaluation, and resistance element characterization services that can augment the drug development pathway.
Cellular fractionation and physicochemical analyses are available to address such issues as drug penetration and efflux affecting efficacy and resistance. We also can provide bulk fractionation and purification services for biochemical assays, antigen characterization, transport assays, etc.
Contact Us:
Phone: 888-322-1166
Email: busdev@southernresearch.org