The target of a new broad-spectrum antibacterial identified by an Illumina-based fitness assay

Our goal was to find the cellular target of a new antibacterial molecule. This molecule has activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, but we first investigated the action in the cystic fibrosis pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia. Infection by this bacteria has a very poor prognosis; therefore, developing new treatments will improve patient quality of life. We identified that this antibacterial inhibits a protein essential for cell division.